What is Dyslexia?

The "working definition" of dyslexia states that it is a specific language disability with particular characteristics.

IT IS:
language based
problems with phonological sounds
usually manifested as significant problems with reading, reading comprehension, writing and spelling

IT IS NOT:
related to age
an indication of a developmental disability
sensory impairment
a lack of intelligence

Characteristics of Reading Disorders

a weak grasp of speech sounds and of the correspondence between those sounds and written words
difficulty in segmenting and blending these sounds
difficulty with memory and retrieval of words in oral and written expression
reversal, omission, addition, and substitution of letters, syllables or words in written and/or spoken language;
problems organizing information into logical sequences and/or confusion in directionality
difficulty following or remembering oral instructions and routine tasks.

In addition those with reading disorders may have one or more of the following:

one or more family members who have had difficulty learning to read;
delayed speech development
ambidexterity or left handedness
attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity
allergies
difficulty with physical coordination
difficulty with mathematics

Famous People With Dyslexia

There are many successful famous people with attention deficit and/or dyslexia. They include:

Albert Einstein - Famous Physicist
Erin Brockovich Ellis - Environmental Crusader
Whoopi Goldberg - Leading Actress
Edward Hallowell, MD - Author, Psychiatrist
Bruce Jenner - U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist
Nelson Rockefeller - Vice President United States
Robin Williams - Leading Actor