Which are considered subtypes of dyslexia?

Phonological and surface dyslexia are recognized subtypes of dyslexia that reflect different underlying processing difficulties. Phonological dyslexia primarily affects an individual's ability to process the phonetic aspects of words. This subtype is characterized by challenges in decoding new or unfamiliar words, as individuals struggle with the phoneme-to-grapheme correspondences necessary for reading. This often leads to difficulties in sounding out words in a systematic way, impacting reading fluency and comprehension.

Surface dyslexia, on the other hand, involves difficulties in recognizing whole words, particularly irregularly spelled words that do not conform to standard phonetic rules. Individuals with surface dyslexia may have a strong grasp of phonological processing but struggle with visual recognition of words, making it challenging to read fluently and accurately, especially with words that have atypical spelling patterns.

Both subtypes highlight the complexity of dyslexia as a learning disorder and illustrate that there are distinct ways in which individuals may experience challenges with reading. Understanding these subtypes helps in developing targeted instructional strategies and interventions that cater to the specific needs of learners with dyslexia.