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Adult perceptions of children with dyslexia in the USA

Annals of Dyslexia volume 68, pages 203–217 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined adult perceptions of dyslexia among US adults. Participants (n = 623) answered survey questions pertaining to characteristics, views, and possible causes of DYS. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five distinct factors: (1) psychosocial causes, (2) external causes, (3) biological causes, (4) consequences, and (5) controllability. Three-way ANOVA’s were conducted to determine the effects of ethnicity, gender, and parental status on how DYS was perceived. The results revealed ethnic, gender, and parental status differences. Males endorsed psychosocial causes and external causes more often than females. Those who self-identified as Asian viewed DYS as more controllable in comparison to Whites. Results also revealed a three-way interaction regarding controllability. Understanding the public’s perceptions about developmental disorders helps distinguish true from erroneous beliefs, and understanding differences that may exist in particular groups can help implement targeted actions to improve awareness, care, and interventions for families.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully thank Jan Wallander, Linda Cameron, and Shana Cohen for their comments on drafts of this article.

Funding

This study was funded by the Carlston Cunningham Endowment and the University of California, Merced Graduate Division.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychological Sciences & the Consortium for Research on Atypical Development and Learning, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Rd, Merced, CA, 92583, USA

    Anabel Castillo & Jeffrey W. Gilger

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  1. Anabel Castillo
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  2. Jeffrey W. Gilger
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Correspondence to Anabel Castillo.

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Castillo, A., Gilger, J.W. Adult perceptions of children with dyslexia in the USA. Ann. of Dyslexia 68, 203–217 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-018-0163-0

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Keywords

  • Beliefs
  • Dyslexia
  • Ethnic differences
  • Perceptions
  • USA
  • Views