Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Dyslexia"

To sign *dyslexia*, form both hands into 'X' handshapes, with your index fingers bent into hooks and your other fingers curled into your palms. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, crossing them over each other at the wrists. Then, pull your hands apart and uncross them, moving them outward to your sides.

Examples Using "Dyslexia" in a Sentence

1

I have dyslexia.

To sign this, point to yourself to sign 'I', then sign 'HAVE' by bringing both bent 'B' hands to your chest, and finally use the crossed 'X' handshapes to sign 'DYSLEXIA'.

2

Dyslexia makes reading difficult.

Sign 'DYSLEXIA' first to establish the topic. Then sign 'MAKE', followed by the sign for 'READ', and finish with the sign for 'HARD' or 'DIFFICULT' using your bent 'V' hands.

3

He is testing for dyslexia.

First, point to the person to sign 'HE'. Next, sign 'TEST' by drawing small question marks in the air with your index fingers, and then conclude the sentence by signing 'DYSLEXIA'.

How to Sign "Dyslexia"
To sign *dyslexia*, form both hands into 'X' handshapes, with your index fingers bent into hooks and your other fingers curled into your palms. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, crossing them over each other at the wrists. Then, pull your hands apart and uncross them, moving them outward to your sides.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic of this sign is deeply tied to the experience of the condition itself. The crossing and uncrossing motion of the hands visually represents the mixing, crossing, or reversing of letters and information, which is a hallmark experience for individuals with dyslexia. Additionally, the use of the 'X' handshape serves a dual purpose: it physically mimics the concept of things being 'crossed' or tangled, while also cleverly referencing the prominent letter 'X' found within the English word *dyslexia*. This makes it a highly iconic and memorable sign.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for *dyslexia*, focus on keeping your movements deliberate and clear. Make sure your index fingers are tightly hooked to form a distinct 'X' handshape, rather than leaving them loose. The crossing and uncrossing of the wrists should be a fluid, continuous motion in front of your chest. Start with your hands slightly apart, bring them together to cross at the wrists, and then smoothly pull them apart. Practicing this in a mirror can help you ensure the handshapes and the crossing motion are clearly visible to the person you are signing with.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make with this sign is using straight index fingers, which turns the handshape into a '1' or 'D' rather than the required 'X' handshape. It is important to keep those index fingers distinctly hooked. Another frequent error is making the crossing motion too small or keeping the hands crossed without pulling them apart. The full meaning of the sign is conveyed through the complete action of crossing the wrists and then clearly separating them, so be sure to complete the entire outward movement.
Regional Variations
Because *dyslexia* is a specialized educational and medical term, you will likely encounter a few different ways to express it depending on the region and the signer's background. While the crossed 'X' handshape version is popular, many fluent signers prefer to simply fingerspell D-Y-S-L-E-X-I-A, especially in formal or academic settings. Alternatively, some signers use a more descriptive, conceptual approach by signing 'WORDS' followed immediately by the sign for 'MIXED-UP' or 'CONFUSED'. If you are unsure which version to use in your local Deaf community, fingerspelling is always a safe and universally understood fallback.
Examples Using "Dyslexia" in a Sentence
1

I have dyslexia.

To sign this, point to yourself to sign 'I', then sign 'HAVE' by bringing both bent 'B' hands to your chest, and finally use the crossed 'X' handshapes to sign 'DYSLEXIA'.

2

Dyslexia makes reading difficult.

Sign 'DYSLEXIA' first to establish the topic. Then sign 'MAKE', followed by the sign for 'READ', and finish with the sign for 'HARD' or 'DIFFICULT' using your bent 'V' hands.

3

He is testing for dyslexia.

First, point to the person to sign 'HE'. Next, sign 'TEST' by drawing small question marks in the air with your index fingers, and then conclude the sentence by signing 'DYSLEXIA'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there only one sign for dyslexia?

No, there is no single standardized sign for dyslexia across all of ASL. While the sign shown here is a common conceptual sign that visually represents the condition, many people in the Deaf community simply fingerspell the word. Others might use a descriptive phrase like 'WORDS MIXED-UP' depending on the context of the conversation. It is always good to know the local preference.

Why do we use the 'X' handshape for this sign?

The 'X' handshape is used for a couple of reasons. First, it can serve as a visual representation of things being crossed, hooked, or mixed up, which aligns with the experience of reading with dyslexia. Second, it highlights the prominent letter 'X' in the word itself. This combination of visual metaphor and English initialization makes the sign easier to remember for beginners.

Should I mouth the word while signing it?

Yes, mouthing the word 'dyslexia' while performing the sign is highly recommended. Because specialized medical or educational terms often have multiple sign variations, mouthing helps provide essential context. It ensures your meaning is perfectly clear to the person you are speaking with, reducing any chance of confusion with other signs that might use similar handshapes or crossing movements.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!