Which of the following statements best describes dyslexia?

The statement that dyslexia is a disorder where children fail to develop reading skills despite adequate instruction accurately captures the essence of dyslexia. This learning disability affects individuals' ability to read, and it is not a result of a lack of instruction, intelligence, or motivation. Children with dyslexia typically have access to appropriate teaching methods but continue to struggle with decoding words and reading fluency due to differences in how their brains process written language.

This understanding underscores that dyslexia is a neurobiological condition that can persist across a person's life, rather than being solely linked to educational environments or practices. The focus on reading skills is crucial, as those with dyslexia may demonstrate average or above-average abilities in other areas, which highlights the importance of recognizing that the challenge specifically pertains to reading.

Additionally, while dyslexia may have writing-related impacts, it is not limited to writing abilities nor is it confined to adults. It is a common misconception that it only affects adults, whereas dyslexia can be identified in children early in their educational journey. Thus, the broad impacts of dyslexia on reading development make the second statement the most accurate description.