The impact that dyslexia has is different for each person and depends on the severity of the disorder. The core difficulty is with word recognition and reading fluency, spelling, and writing. Some individuals with dyslexia manage to learn early reading and spelling tasks, especially with excellent instruction but later experience their most debilitating problems when more complex language skills are required, such as grammar, understanding textbook material, and writing essays. As such, students often do not receive a diagnosis until grades 3-7.
Dyslexia can also affect a person’s self-image. Students with dyslexia often end up feeling “dumb” and less capable than they actually are. After experiencing a great deal of stress due to academic problems, a student may become discouraged about continuing in school.