What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based difficulty in children, who despite conventional classroom experience, fail to attain the language skills of reading, writing and spelling commensurate with their intellectual abilities.

“Dyslexia” is a medical term while

“Specific Learning Disability” (or Difficulty) is an educational one.

(The European Dyslexia Association 1994)

Dyslexia can be described as a continuum of difficulties in learning to read, write and/or spell, which persist despite the provision of appropriate learning opportunities.

Overview

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects the ability to read due to challenges in identifying speech sounds and understanding how they correspond to letters and words. Also known as a reading disability, it stems from variations in brain regions involved in language processing.

Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, hearing, or vision problems. With specialized education programs, tutoring, and emotional support, most children with dyslexia can thrive in school.

While there is no cure for dyslexia, early diagnosis and intervention lead to the best outcomes. In some cases, dyslexia remains undetected until adulthood, but seeking help at any stage can be beneficial.

Symptoms

The signs of dyslexia can be subtle before a child starts school but often become clearer once formal education begins.
Symptoms can vary in severity and tend to evolve with age.

Before School

Early signs that a child may be at risk for dyslexia include:

Delayed speech development
Difficulty learning new words
Challenges forming words correctly, such as reversing or confusing sounds
Trouble recalling or naming letters, numbers, or colors
Difficulty with nursery rhymes or rhyming games

School Age

In school, dyslexia may present with:

Reading below the expected level for age
Trouble processing and understanding spoken language
Difficulty finding the right words or answering questions
Problems remembering sequences of events
Difficulty identifying similarities and differences in letters and words
Challenges sounding out unfamiliar words
Poor spelling
Taking a long time to complete tasks involving reading or writing
Avoidance of reading-related activities

Teens and Adults

Symptoms in teens and adults often mirror those seen in children, including:

Struggles with reading, particularly reading aloud
Slow and effortful reading or writing
Spelling difficulties
Avoidance of reading-related tasks
Mispronouncing words or struggling to retrieve them
Difficulty summarizing texts
Challenges learning new languages
Trouble solving math problems involving words

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your child struggles with reading by the time they reach kindergarten or first grade, or if they exhibit other signs of dyslexia, consult a healthcare provider. Left untreated, dyslexia can persist into adulthood, making early intervention crucial.

Causes

Dyslexia is linked to differences in brain regions responsible for reading and often runs in families. Certain genetic factors are associated with how the brain processes reading and language.

Risk Factors

A family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities significantly increases the likelihood of developing dyslexia.

Complications

Dyslexia can lead to challenges such as:

Learning difficulties: Reading struggles can affect performance in other subjects.
Social issues: Low self-esteem, anxiety, behavior problems, and social withdrawal may occur without intervention.
Adult challenges: Difficulty reading and comprehending may limit educational and career opportunities, leading to long-term impacts.

Children with dyslexia are also at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can complicate treatment due to issues with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.