The Myth About Dyslexia and Reading Letters Backwards January 31 is National Backwards Day and LearningRx would like to clear up the myth about dyslexia and reading letters backwards. For years, many of us believed the dyslexia was about reading letters backwards. The reality of the reading struggle has nothing to do with seeing reversed letters. The truth is that 85% of learning-to-read difficulties are caused by weak phonemic awareness—the cognitive ability to blend, segment, and analyze sounds. This is why interventions that use cognitive training techniques to target and strengthen auditory processing and other cognitive abilities get such tremendous results. The word dyslexia actually means, “poor with words or trouble with reading.” This could mean reading fluently, out loud, reading new words, and/or pronouncing words correctly. Some of the most common symptoms include: • Difficulty transferring what is heard to what is seen and vice versa • Struggles pronouncing new words • Poor at distinguishing similarities/differences in words (no, on) • Weak at letter sound discrimination (pin, pen) • Low reading comprehension Another myth is that dyslexia is lifelong label. But it doesn’t need to be. One-on-one brain training targets the weak cognitive skills associated with dyslexia. Using game-like mental workouts, these personal brain training sessions strengthen the skills that are integral to reading comprehension and fluency. Because programs are uniquely adapted for every client, anyone—from 5 to 85—can experience benefits that can enhance their life. In fact, many clients experience dramatic results and learn to love reading. It’s not uncommon for students or adults who go through one-on-one brain training for reading struggles to see significant improvements, including things like: • Faster reading, improved comprehension and stronger memory for details • Better grades and increased confidence at school, work or life in general • More positive relationships with peers, more independence in completing homework and increased participation in the classroom or social settings To learn more about how LearningRx helps children, teens and adults with dyslexia, visit https://www.learningrx.com/who-we-help/reading-struggles-dyslexia/.