If someone you love has been diagnosed with dyslexia, you probably have some questions. And I bet a lot of those questions start with “why?” 

Like all learning differences, dyslexia is accompanied by a host of assumptions and misconceptions. In order to serve and support dyslexic students, we must first understand the dyslexic brain. We’ve written previously about the next steps to take after your child has been diagnosed. Now let’s talk about what causes dyslexia.

1. Dyslexia is brain-based 

This isn’t a behavior issue, dyslexic students aren’t unmotivated or defiant. (It’s especially important for teachers to be aware of that. We’ve heard some troubling stories about students being reprimanded for their failure to complete text-heavy assignments beyond their reading level.) Dyslexia is a difference in how the brain processes language and sound patterns. It’s extremely sophisticated work for the brain to interpret written characters and automatically register the sounds associated with them. To read fluently, we must see the letters ‘f,’ ‘ph,’ and ‘gh,’ for instance, and immediately, without thinking, know that these symbols represent the /f/ sound. For a dyslexic brain, this takes a lot of extra effort. 

Brain imaging shows that dyslexic readers use different neural pathways than neurotypical readers, which means traditional reading instruction often isn’t enough. But the brain is malleable; it can be remolded. Redwood Literacy’s approach to Structured Literacy is specifically designed to rewire those pathways, making reading more automatic and fluent.  

2. It runs in families 

Dyslexia is often genetic. If there are multiple people in your family with dyslexia, it’s not a coincidence, it’s shared wiring. The good news is that early identification changes everything. The earlier a child gets reading remediation help, the more receptive the brain will be to that rewiring work. (But, to be clear, it’s never too late to begin instruction.) Redwood conducts convenient online reading assessments, providing clear results within 24 business hours. Once you understand why your child is struggling, you can strategically and intentionally take steps to provide the right support. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you begin thinking about next steps, but we’ve been doing this for a long time, and we’ll help you skip the guesswork. You’re not making these decisions alone. 

Schedule your child’s reading assessment

3. It’s not caused by poor teaching, but it can only be helped with the right teaching

Sometimes families blame themselves or past teachers for a dyslexia diagnosis. It’s easy to ask, “What did I do wrong? What did they do wrong?” But dyslexia isn’t caused by anything external, no parenting blindspot or classroom failure made your child’s brain struggle with language. (However, we’ve certainly served students who struggled to read simply because they were never properly taught; they benefited greatly from the same phonics-based instruction as their dyslexic peers.) 

What matters now is how you move forward, incorrect instruction doesn’t cause dyslexia, but only the correct instruction will give dyslexic children the skills they need to be successful. Redwood instructors are trained in evidence-based Structured Literacy (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, UFLI), which helps kids of all ages make measurable progress, often within weeks.

4. Other factors can affect how dyslexia shows up 

Every child’s dyslexia looks a little different. Some students also experience ADHD, anxiety, or language delays that make learning more complex, this is why Redwood personalizes every instructional plan. A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work. 

Redwood’s personalized learning plans are based on each child’s strengths, needs, and goals. Certain students thrive in a group setting, while others benefit more from one-on-one instruction or our new at-home subscription program. For some students, the text-to-speech approach is best; others find speech-to-text instruction more intuitive. It’s all about finding the right fit, then monitoring progress and making adjustments along the way. 

The “why” of dyslexia isn’t as important as the “what now.” Understanding the cause brings clarity, but the real transformation happens when kids get the right support. Research shows that brains can change, with structured, multisensory instruction, children with dyslexia form new neural pathways that make reading easier. That’s exactly what Redwood instructors do every day. It’s why our students not only learn to read, but rediscover the joy of learning.

Your child’s brain is brilliant,  and it needs the right key to unlock it. There’s a proven path forward, and we’ll be right there with you every step of the way. 

Next steps you can take today:

• Watch our free webinar on Frostig’s Six Success Attributes, easy ways to help your child thrive at home and at school.
• Schedule your online reading assessment and get results within 3 business days.
• Choose your path: in-person small group, virtual small group, one-on-one instruction, or our at-home subscription.

Start with a Free Consultation with Redwood Literacy