Dyslexia
(Specific Reading Disability)
Definition
Dyslexia is a learning disability that can hinder a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is the most common learning disability in children and persists throughout life. The severity of dyslexia can vary from mild to severe.
Causes
The causes of dyslexia are neurobiological (having to do with the way the brain is formed and how it functions) and genetic (passed down through families). Dyslexia may also be acquired due to other conditions, such as stroke.
Language Center of the Brain
Risk Factors
Because dyslexia can run in families, tell your doctor if you have family members that have dyslexia.
Symptoms
If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, do not assume it is due to dyslexia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
-
Difficulty in the following areas
- Learning to speak
- Reading and writing at grade level
- Organizing written and spoken language
- Learning letters and their sounds
- Learning number facts
- Spelling
- Learning a foreign language
- Correctly doing math problems
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your or your child’s symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam (including hearing and vision tests). You may then be referred to an expert in learning disabilities, such as a school psychologist, learning specialist, or neurologist (doctor who specializes in the nervous system) for additional testing.
Tests given by the specialist may include the following:
Treatment
Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or other trained professional. Talk with the doctor and learning specialist about the best treatment plan for you or your child. Treatment options include:
Remediation
Remediation is a way of teaching that helps people with dyslexia to learn language skills. It uses the following concepts:
- Teach small amounts of information at a time
- Teach the same concepts many times (“over-teaching”)
- Use all the senses—hearing, vision, voice, and touch—to enhance learning (multisensory reinforcement)
Compensatory Strategies
Compensatory strategies are ways to work-around the effects of dyslexia. They include:
- Audio taping classroom lessons, homework assignments, and texts
- Using flashcards
- Sitting in the front of the classroom
- Using a computer with spelling and grammar checks
- Receiving more time to complete homework or tests
Prevention
There is little that can be done to prevent dyslexia, especially if it runs in your family. However, early identification and treatment can reduce its effects. The sooner children with dyslexia get special education services, the fewer problems they will have learning to read and write at grade level. Under US federal law, free testing and special education services are available for children in the public school system.
International Dyslexia Association
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Canadian Dyslexia Association
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
Dyslexia. National Center for Learning Disabilities website. Available at: http://www.ld.org/LDInfoZone/InfoZone_FactSheet_Dyslexia.cfm. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Dyslexia. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/dyslexia.html. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Dyslexia basics—fact sheet #62. International Dyslexia Association website. Available at: http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=79. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Frequently asked questions. International Dyslexia Association website. Available at: http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=95. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Kids with dyslexia. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/dyslexia.html. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Testing for dyslexia—fact sheet #76. International Dyslexia Association website. Available at: http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=79. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Understanding dyslexia. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/dyslexia.html. Accessed July 16, 2005.
Last reviewed February 2012 by Marjorie Bunch, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
