Which tenet is included in the current definition of dyslexia?

The current definition of dyslexia emphasizes that it is related to language and processing difficulties, making this the correct choice. Dyslexia is characterized primarily by challenges with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties are often linked to issues with the phonological component of language, which affects how individuals process sounds in relation to written language.

Understanding dyslexia as a language-related condition is critical because it highlights the neurological basis of the disorder and the resultant challenges in decoding and understanding written texts. This comprehension extends beyond just reading; it also impacts how individuals connect spoken language with written forms, which is essential for literacy development.

In contrast, the misconceptions that dyslexia is caused by a lack of motivation or that it pertains only to reading comprehension do not align with established definitions or research. Dyslexia is not a byproduct of motivation but rather a specific learning difficulty that affects cognitive processing. Moreover, while reading comprehension can be a concern for those with dyslexia, it is not the sole focus of the definition; the challenges encompass various language processing skills, not just comprehension.