If you have ever seen an image like the one on the right, you might assume this is what reading is like for people with dyslexia. A visual problem with letters swirling, flipped and jumbling on the page, almost impossible to make sense of. This is a classic myth and the reality of dyslexia is quite different. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths about dyslexia.

So, What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects reading. According to the DSM-V, it is characterised by difficulties reading words accurately even after sufficient explicit teaching in reading has occurred.

Common Myths and the Facts

Myth 1: Dyslexia is a Visual Problem

• Not true. Brain imaging shows dyslexia is rooted in a problem with processing language sounds, not in the visual system. There is no evidence to suggest eye exercise and vision therapy improve reading for dyslexia.

Myth 2: Special Fonts Make Reading Easier

• No font can ‘cure’ dyslexia. Research shows that so-called ‘dyslexic-friendly’ fonts do not improve reading performance. Children with dyslexia need targeted reading instruction, not a new font.

Myth 3: Coloured Overlays Or Lenses Help

• There is no strong evidence that coloured overlays or tinted glasses improve reading. Use of these distracts us from what is really needed; intervention to develop reading skills.

Myth 4: Seeing or Writing Letters Backwards Means You Have Dyslexia

• Reversing letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’ is common in all young children learning to read and spell. Letter reversal instead shows a child is in the early stages of reading and spelling development.

Myth 5: Children Outgrow Dyslexia

• Dyslexia doesn’t disappear with age. It is a lifelong disorder. With the right support, children can succeed, but they won’t just ‘grow out of it’ or ‘read when they are ready’.

Myth 6: Reading More Will Fix Dyslexia

• Reading more helps everyone, but children with dyslexia need specific, structured teaching. Reading more alone is not enough.

Myth 7: Dyslexia Means a Child Isn’t Intelligent

• Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. Many bright and clever people have dyslexia. Dyslexia means they may require more support in learning to read and write than others.

The Bottom Line

There are no quick fixes to dyslexia. It is not about vision, laziness, or low intelligence. The best support is in evidence-based teaching, early intervention, and a common understanding of what science says works (not pseudoscience).

Reference List

Daniel, J., Clucas, L., & Wang, H. H. (2025). Identifying students with dyslexia: exploration of current assessment methods. Annals of Dyslexia, 75(1), 19-41.

Van Herwegen, J., Outhwaite, L. A., & Herbert, E. (2024). Neuromyths about dyscalculia and dyslexia among educators in the UK. British Journal of Special Education, 51(2), 233-242.