About Dyslexia
When you fully understand the challenges, you create a foundation to empower the learner.
Dyslexia is a neurological difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It is the most common learning difference, impacting roughly 1 in 5 people.
Understanding Dyslexia
The Impact of Dyslexia
Dyslexia primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling, but its impact can extend across a student’s entire school experience. Students with dyslexia may begin to doubt their intelligence, disengage from learning, or experience anxiety in classroom settings.
Dyslexia is a lifelong difference, but it’s also highly responsive to the proper support. Early identification and structured, multisensory instruction can change a student's trajectory, building not only literacy skills but also confidence and self-understanding.
That’s why early support is so important. The right interventions don’t just improve academics—they help students rediscover joy, motivation, and belief in themselves as learners.
What Dyslexia Can Look Like
Trouble learning letter sounds or blending sounds into words
Difficulty reading fluently or decoding unfamiliar words
Spelling that seems inconsistent or far behind peers
Challenges with written expression
Avoidance of reading aloud or writing tasks
Strong oral vocabulary and comprehension, despite reading struggles
When Dyslexia Isn’t the Only Difference
While dyslexia is our core focus at dePaul, we know that many students experience more than one learning difference. In fact, it’s common for children with dyslexia to also navigate additional challenges, and understanding those layers helps us provide more effective and compassionate support.
Dysgraphia
When Writing Is the Challenge
Dysgraphia is a neurological difference that affects written expression. It can impact handwriting, spelling, sentence structure, and the physical act of writing itself.
In the classroom, dysgraphia may look like:
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Difficulty with handwriting, spacing, or letter formation
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Avoidance of writing tasks or fatigue from writing
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Challenges with organizing ideas on paper
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Discrepancy between oral expression and written work
At dePaul, we reduce the pressure around writing while building essential skills. We incorporate tools like graphic organizers, multisensory writing strategies, and assistive technology to help students succeed without shame.
ADHD
Attention, Regulation, and Executive Function
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often overlaps with dyslexia. Students with ADHD may struggle with focus, impulse control, or working memory—all of which affect learning and classroom engagement.
Common signs include:
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Trouble starting or completing tasks
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Difficulty sustaining focus or following directions
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Fidgeting or restlessness
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Emotional ups and downs tied to regulation
Our structured routines, calming classroom environments, and daily executive functioning support help students with ADHD stay organized, build confidence, and feel in control of their learning.
Dyscalculia
When Numbers Don’t Add Up
Dyscalculia is sometimes referred to as “math dyslexia.” It affects a child’s ability to understand numbers, sequences, and math concepts—even with repeated exposure.
Signs may include:
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Trouble learning basic math facts (like multiplication tables)
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Difficulty understanding quantity, value, or number relationships
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Confusion with time, money, or step-by-step processes
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Anxiety around math tasks or problem-solving
At dePaul, we use multisensory math strategies that prioritize hands-on, visual learning. Our teachers are trained in Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math approach to ensure students can connect math to meaning—and build confidence along the way.
Why This Matters
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia are distinct, but they often overlap. A child may experience one, two, or all three. Understanding the full picture helps families and educators:
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Select the right school or support environment
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Choose interventions that truly address the student’s needs
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Support both academic growth and emotional well-being
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Build on strengths while addressing specific needs
At dePaul, we believe that how a child learns should never limit how far they go. We are experts in supporting students with dyslexia, and while we understand co-occurring differences, our program is not the right fit for every child.
Is dePaul Right for Your Child?
Every student’s brain works differently, and we believe those differences are worth understanding, honoring, and supporting.
The dePaul School, however, is not the right fit for every child, so it is important to understand who we can and cannot help. Please take time to review these guidelines before reaching out.
