Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. What most people don't know is as many as 15 to 20 percent of the Population have some of the symptoms.

Dyslexia is characterized by problems in expressing or receiving spoken or written language. Sadly, many go undiagnosed until they are already out of school and some never receive treatment. That's why specialists say raising awareness is so important Which is why we're sharing the facts all parents should know.

Signs of dyslexia can be spotted in children as early as pre-school or kindergarten.

"We are looking for kids who cannot rhyme, have trouble segmenting words, if I say take the snow off snowman that would be difficult, if I say change cat to mat that would be difficult. They have a hard time learning the alphabet and writing," said Region Nine education specialist Paula Tilker.

The impact of dyslexia is different for each person and depends on the severity of the condition. For children, it can have a detremental effect on their educational development.

"These are bright kids. We're not talking about children without good cognitive ability. They are bright and understand they are not functioning where they need to be," Tilker said.

Most struggle with word recognition, reading fluency, spelling and writing.

"Imagine being in school all day working with print and not being able to process that print. You become very frustrated and feel dumb. You can have people tell you if you'd just try harder you'd just do it," Tilker said.

Specialist usually don't make a formal diagnosis until second grade. If untreated, dyslexia can lead to self-esteem problems later in life. But the good news is, it's never too late to diagnose and with proper treatment those with dyslexia can learn to be successful readers.

"If parents are looking for early signs they will be able to work with teachers and schools to get help if needed," Tilker said.

One thing parents should be aware of, the condition does run in families. And the key is identifying the disability as early as possible.

Dyslexia specialist say it's a myth that individuals with the disability 'read backwards,' however spelling can look jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words. For more information about the symptoms and how it is diagnose go to the links section and click on dyslexia basics.