Dyslexia Is Not a Disability—It’s a Different Way of Learning

Written By Nicole Borck

Many parents hear the word dyslexia and immediately feel worry or fear. Schools often label it as a “disability,” but here’s the truth:

Dyslexia is not a disability. It’s a different way of learning.

Children with dyslexia are smart, capable, and full of potential. They just learn in ways that schools don’t always understand or support.

Dyslexic Brains Work Differently—Not Wrong

Children with dyslexia process language in a different part of the brain than most people. That’s why reading and spelling can be difficult. But these kids are often very strong in other areas—like problem-solving, building things, storytelling, and thinking outside the box.

What looks like a “problem” in school is actually a difference in how their brain is wired. And that’s not a bad thing.

What Happens When We Teach Them the Right Way

When kids with dyslexia are taught using methods that fit how they learn, everything changes. They feel more confident. They start to enjoy learning again. And yes—they thrive.

Here’s what works best:

  • Step-by-step reading instruction (no guessing at words)

  • Learning with touch, sound, movement, and pictures

  • More time to finish reading or writing

  • Ways to show what they know beyond just writing

  • Support from teachers who understand dyslexia

These methods are based on decades of research and are called structured literacy.

The Most Heartbreaking Part: What Kids Tell Me

“I’m just not smart.”
“Why do I always mess up?”
“My teacher gets mad at me.”

These kids are not broken—they’re hurting. And sadly, many of them start believing they aren’t smart because of how they’re treated in school.

Teachers sometimes call on them to read out loud when they’re not ready. They may show frustration. Other kids may tease or make fun. Over time, that wears on a child’s confidence.

The Real Problem: A Lack of Understanding

Here’s what most parents don’t realize: many teachers were never trained to recognize or support dyslexia.

Most teacher training programs don’t cover enough about reading difficulties. So even kind, caring teachers might not know what to do. It’s not their fault—they just haven’t been taught how to help.

Without support, students fall behind. Teachers get frustrated. And parents feel helpless.

But that can change.

We Need to Rethink the System—Not the Child

The problem isn’t the child. It’s the way we teach them.

If more schools used research-backed methods and treated learning differences with respect—not shame—dyslexic students wouldn’t be labeled as disabled. They would be celebrated for their strengths.

We need to stop forcing kids with dyslexia to fit into a rigid system.
We need to build a system that fits them.

Resources for Parents

If your child struggles with reading, don’t wait. Ask your school about testing for reading-based learning difficulties. Learn about their right to get help. And reach out to someone who can guide you through it.

Need support?
Contact me here — I help parents understand dyslexia and advocate for their children.

Parent-Friendly Research

  • Shaywitz, S. (Yale University) – Shows how dyslexic brains process reading differently but are just as capable.

  • Eide & Eide, The Dyslexic Advantage – Highlights strengths like creative thinking and problem-solving.

  • Spear-Swerling (2019) – Explains how structured literacy helps all readers, especially those with dyslexia.

  • Wagner et al. (2020) – Discusses how reading difficulties impact confidence and mental health.

  • Washburn et al. (2011) – Found most teachers aren’t taught how to identify or help students with dyslexia.

Nicole Borck