Understanding dyslexia
The First Step Act (FSA) is the first federal law defining dyslexia:
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.1
The 2020 US Senate Resolution (S. Res. 765) states that dyslexia is:
(1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and
(2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and, often, the ability to learn a second language.
1 International Dyslexia Association (2002). "Definition of dyslexia." Retrieved from dyslexiaida.org.
2 Johnson, E. S., Jenkins, J. R., & Petscher, Y. Improving the accuracy of a direct route screening process. Assessment for Effective Intervention (2010), 35, 131–140.
3 Johnson, E. S., Jenkins, J. R., Petscher, Y., & Catts, H. W. How can we improve the accuracy of screening instruments? Learning Disabilities Research & Practice (2009), 24, 174–185.