Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words, a process known as decoding. Also referred to as a reading disability, dyslexia results from individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.

Importantly, dyslexia is not related to intelligence, hearing, or vision problems. With appropriate tutoring or specialized education programs, most children with dyslexia can succeed in school. Emotional support also plays a crucial role in managing the condition.

Although there is no cure for dyslexia, early assessment and intervention can lead to the best outcomes. In some cases, dyslexia remains undiagnosed until adulthood, but it is never too late to seek help.

Symptoms

Recognizing dyslexia early can be challenging, especially before a child enters school. However, certain early signs may indicate a problem. The severity of dyslexia varies, but the condition often becomes more evident as a child starts learning to read.

Before School

Signs that a young child may be at risk of dyslexia include:

• Late talking
• Learning new words slowly
• Problems forming words correctly, such as reversing sounds in words or confusing words that sound alike
• Problems remembering or naming letters, numbers, and colors
• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games

School Age

Once a child is in school, dyslexia symptoms may become more apparent, including:

• Reading well below the expected level for age
• Problems processing and understanding what is heard
• Difficulty finding the right word or forming answers to questions
• Problems remembering the sequence of things
• Difficulty seeing (and occasionally hearing) similarities and differences in letters and words
• Inability to sound out the pronunciation of an unfamiliar word
• Difficulty spelling
• Spending an unusually long time completing tasks that involve reading or writing
• Avoiding activities that involve reading

Teens and Adults

Dyslexia signs in teens and adults are similar to those in children. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty reading, including reading aloud
• Slow and labor-intensive reading and writing
• Problems spelling
• Avoiding activities that involve reading
• Mispronouncing names or words, or problems retrieving words
• Spending an unusually long time completing tasks that involve reading or writing
• Difficulty summarizing a story
• Trouble learning a foreign language
• Difficulty doing math word problems

When to See a Doctor

While most children are ready to learn reading by kindergarten or first grade, children with dyslexia often struggle to learn to read by that time. Consult with your healthcare provider if your child's reading level is below the expected level for their age or if you notice other signs of dyslexia. Untreated dyslexia can lead to persistent reading difficulties into adulthood.

Causes

Dyslexia results from individual differences in the parts of the brain that enable reading. It tends to run in families and is linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language.

Risk Factors

A family history of dyslexia or other reading or learning disabilities increases the risk of having dyslexia.

Complications

Dyslexia can lead to several problems, including:

• Trouble learning: Reading is fundamental to most other school subjects, so a child with dyslexia may struggle in various classes and have trouble keeping up with peers.
• Social problems: If left untreated, dyslexia may lead to low self-esteem, behavior problems, anxiety, aggression, and withdrawal from friends, parents, and teachers.
• Problems as adults: The inability to read and comprehend can prevent children from reaching their potential as they grow up, resulting in long-term educational, social, and economic impacts.
• Increased risk of ADHD: Children with dyslexia are at higher risk of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can cause difficulty keeping attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior, making dyslexia harder to manage.

Conclusion

While dyslexia presents significant challenges, early diagnosis and intervention can help manage the condition effectively. With the right support, individuals with dyslexia can lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Dyslexia. Mayo Clinic.
2. Shaywitz, S. E. (2020). Overcoming Dyslexia: Second Edition, Completely Revised and Updated. Vintage.
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2022). Dyslexia Information Page. National Institutes of Health.
4. International Dyslexia Association. (2021). Dyslexia Basics. International Dyslexia Association.