Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What type of learning disability is dyslexia?

1. Affecting writing abilities

2. Affecting mathematical skills

3. Affecting reading abilities

4. Affecting social skills

The correct answer is: Affecting reading abilities

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily impacts reading abilities. It is characterized by difficulty in recognizing and decoding words, which can lead to struggles with reading fluency and comprehension. Individuals with dyslexia may have trouble with phonological processing, which involves understanding the sounds within words. This difficulty can result in challenges such as reading slowly, making frequent reading errors, and having trouble with spelling. Therefore, the identification of dyslexia squarely points to deficits associated with literacy and reading tasks, making it clear why the correct response highlights its effect on reading abilities. The other options describe challenges associated with different types of learning disabilities. For instance, affecting writing abilities pertains more closely to dysgraphia, impacting mathematical skills relates to dyscalculia, and affecting social skills is related to various developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. These distinctions underscore the specific nature of dyslexia as it pertains to reading.