Understanding Orthographic or Surface Dyslexia
Updated: Aug 16
What Is Orthographic (Surface) Dyslexia?
In the complex world of learning differences, some students receive a diagnosis of “orthographic or surface dyslexia,” while others receive a diagnosis of “phonological dyslexia” or simply “dyslexia.”
Psychologists and others who use the terminology “phonological” or “orthographic” dyslexia will generally give a student with poor phonological skills and limited phonics knowledge a diagnosis of phonological dyslexia. They will diagnose a student who has poor phonics skills but average or even strong phonological skills with orthographic or surface dyslexia.
Regardless of the terminology used, effective intervention is always based on the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
What Sets Orthographic Dyslexia Apart
Most people associate dyslexia with difficulty sounding out words. However, dyslexia is a complex neurobiological learning disability that affects language processing. The International Dyslexia Association provides a comprehensive definition.
In our experience, most psychologists diagnose a student with dyslexia, not with phonological or orthographic dyslexia. They then provide parents further information about the student’s phonological skills, working memory, processing speed and many other factors that influence a student’s ability to read, all based on the results of their testing.
The Telltale Signs
Students with dyslexia generally struggle to learn the sound-letter correspondences in English, called “phonics.” A student with dyslexia might:
Read slowly and deliberately
Spell words phonetically (like "seshen" instead of "session")
Struggle to read and spell irregular words such as "through"
Struggle to make the leap to also considering morphology when spelling (for example, spelling “helped” as “helpt” based purely on the sounds, without realizing that we use the “ed” to signify the past tense and that it sometimes sounds like a /t/)
Challenges for Middle School and High School Students
As students with orthographic dyslexia progress into middle and high school, the academic challenges become increasingly complex. These students often struggle with:
More advanced reading assignments with complex vocabulary
Research papers requiring precise spelling and academic language
Timed writing tests and standardized exams
Increased reliance on textbook comprehension
Social pressures related to reading and writing performance
Recognizing and addressing dyslexia's complex manifestations is crucial. From early challenges with phonics and spelling to the more nuanced difficulties in middle and high school, students with orthographic dyslexia require targeted support that addresses their unique learning profile. By recognizing the telltale signs and proactively developing individualized strategies, educators and parents can help these students become fluent readers and good spellers, and successfully navigate their educational journey.
Intervention: A Targeted Approach
The Power of 1-on-1 Tutoring
Specialized dyslexia tutoring is crucial in addressing dyslexia, whether the diagnosis is orthographic dyslexia, phonological dyslexia or just plain dyslexia. One-on-one tutoring offers:
Personalized diagnostic assessments of a student’s phonological skills and knowledge of the phonics patterns, morphology and spelling rules of our language
Targeted skill development
Adaptive learning strategies
Confidence-building support
Professional Expertise Matters
When seeking help, parents and educators should consult professionals with:
Advanced training in reading disabilities
Multi-sensory instruction techniques
Ability to create customized learning plans and offer high-intensity instruction
The Path Forward
With the right support, students with orthographic (and other types of) dyslexia can develop the knowledge and strategies they need to overcome their specific challenges and become confident readers and good spellers.
Understanding and supporting your student with dyslexia requires a combination of patience, expertise, and targeted intervention. Each student's journey is unique, and success comes from recognizing individual learning profiles and providing precisely tailored support.
Understanding is the first step towards empowerment. With the right approach, parents and professionals can work together to help students with orthographic dyslexia unlock their full reading potential and transform their learning experience.
About the Author
Daniela Feldhausen is the founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors. A former attorney with a master’s degree in special education, she has extensive training in Structured Literacy, the Science of Reading, and Orton-Gillingham–based instruction. Her team evaluates each student’s reading and spelling skills, creates an individualized Structured Literacy Plan, and provides the one-on-one tutoring needed to carry it out.
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