dyslexia
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about dyslexia.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a type of learning difficulty that persists throughout life, causing daily challenges in reading, writing, and spelling. Unlike other learning difficulties, a person’s intelligence is not affected. Most children with dyslexia can succeed in school through private teaching or specialized educational programs.
What are the symptoms of dyslexia?
- It may be difficult to notice signs of dyslexia before a child starts school, but there are early indicators. Once the child reaches school age, teachers may be the first to notice the problem. The severity of dyslexia varies, but it often becomes clear when a child begins learning to read.
- Before school:
- Delayed speech: The child may start speaking later than peers.
- Difficulty learning new words: The child may struggle to learn and remember new words.
- Problems forming words: The child may mix up sounds or struggle to pronounce words correctly.
Difficulty remembering letters, numbers, and colors: The child may have trouble recalling or naming letters, numbers, and colors.
- Difficulty learning songs or rhymes: The child may find it hard to learn Difficulty learning children’s songs or rhymes-based games.
- School-age children:
- Reading level below expectations: The child may read far below the expected level for their age.
- Difficulty understanding spoken information: The child may struggle to process and comprehend what they hear.
- Difficulty finding the right words: The child may struggle to express themselves or answer questions.
- Problems remembering sequences: The child may have trouble recalling sequences of events or steps.
- Difficulty distinguishing letters and words: The child may struggle to notice similarities and differences between letters and words.
- Difficulty pronouncing new words: The child may have trouble pronouncing words they have not heard before.
- Difficulty spelling: The child may struggle with correct spelling.
Spending extra time on reading and writing: Tasks involving reading or writing may take longer than usual.
- Avoidance of reading activities: The child may avoid reading activities like stories or books.
- Teenagers and adults:
- Signs in teens and adults are similar to those in children and may include:
- Difficulty reading aloud: Challenges in reading text fluently aloud.
- Slow reading and writing: Reading and writing may be slow and require significant effort.
- Spelling difficulties: Trouble spelling words correctly.
- Avoiding reading activities: Avoiding activities that require reading, such as books or articles.
- Difficulty recalling words: Trouble remembering or pronouncing words correctly.
- Difficulty summarizing stories: Challenges in understanding or summarizing texts.
Difficulty learning foreign languages: Trouble learning a new language.
Difficulty solving word-based math problems: Trouble understanding and solving math problems that rely on text.
- What causes dyslexia?
- Dyslexia is likely present from birth and persists throughout life.. Researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact cause, but genetics and brain differences play a role. Possible factors include:
Genetics and heredity: There is often a family history of dyslexia.
Brain activity: Brain imaging studies show differences in regions associated with essential reading skills, including phonological awareness and recognition of written words.
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
Dyslexia cannot be detected by blood tests or lab tests. Clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists diagnose dyslexia through a series of assessments. There is no single test for dyslexia; a full evaluation and assessment of common signs are required.
How is dyslexia managed?
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with appropriate support, many individuals can learn to read and write effectively. Early diagnosis and intervention play a crucial role in helping individuals succeed in school and in life.
Most people with dyslexia benefit from support from a specialized teacher or coach using a structured, multi-sensory approach that engages hearing, vision, and touch. Instruction should be organized and explicit, requiring regular practice and immediate feedback to develop word recognition skills. It is also helpful for the coach to work closely with classroom teachers.
Schools can implement accommodations and academic modifications to support students with dyslexia, such as providing extra time to complete tasks, assistance with note-taking, oral exams, or alternative assessment methods.
Students may also benefit from listening to audiobooks and using text-to-speech software. Additionally, they may require support to manage emotional challenges related to academic difficulties, and consulting a mental health professional can be helpful in addressing these issues.
When should you see a doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if your child’s reading level is below age expectations or if you notice any signs of dyslexia. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated dyslexia can lead to persistent reading difficulties into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is dyslexia a mental or psychological disorder?
No. Learning difficulties are not mental illnesses; they have a neurological basis, resulting from “connectivity differences” in specific brain regions.
How can I help my child with dyslexia?
The first important step is to spend time reading books aloud with your child. This shared reading time can strengthen your child’s reading skills.
Remember that dyslexia is not something your child can control, so providing support and encouragement can have a significant impact. This support can help your child cope with dyslexia and reduce feelings of anxiety or fear related to reading.
