Are poor reading skills a symptom of dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. Poor reading skills are a common symptom of dyslexia, but not all people with poor reading skills have dyslexia. There are many other factors that can contribute to poor reading skills, including lack of exposure to books, inadequate instruction, and other learning disabilities.

To diagnose dyslexia, a child must have a significant difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell that cannot be explained by other factors, such as intellectual disability, lack of opportunity to learn, or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is a lifelong disorder, but it can be managed with proper intervention.

If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia, it is important to talk to your child's teacher and a qualified educational psychologist. They can evaluate your child and determine if they have dyslexia and recommend appropriate interventions.