Is dyslexia related to intelligence or motivation?

Question

No, lack of intelligence or motivation does not cause dyslexia.

Answer 1

NO, dyslexia has NOTHING to do with intelligence or motivation.

While studying my dyslexia coursework, a requirement was to read the book: OVERCOMING DYSLEXIA by Sally Shaywitz.

If you are a parent of a dyslexic student, this is an excellent resource in helping to understand dyslexia.

The book explains that through brain research and brain scans, people with dyslexia are shown to be "lacking" the processor in the brain that process sounds and symbols.

My explanation of dyslexia for parents who have questions:

Imagine planning a visit to the mall.

You will get on the freeway, drive 10 minutes, and are there.

For students with dyslexia "who want to go to the mall"---They will have to take the country roads to get there; they don't have "access" to the freeway. They will arrive, but they won't take the road most traveled and it will take a little longer.

This is precisely the reason we use a "multi-sensory" approach in teaching students with dyslexia. I

Answer 2

Absolutely not! Often a student with dyslexia is far more creative and intelligent than given credit. When there is a deficit, there is a compensation when it comes to learning. The problem is when the student is older and has not been taught correctly. You will find an unmotivate, embarrassed child.

Answer 3

There is no correlation between dyslexia and a child's intelligence level. I often think of my clients with dyslexia as having a superpower!

The only correlation between dyslexia and motivation would occur when a child is being taught to read with the wrong approach. Students with dyslexia should be taught using a structured literacy approach. Orton-Gillingham is an effective multi-sensory approach used to teach students with dyslexia how to read, write and spell.