Dyslexia Update

September 4, 2021

4 min read

For most people, learning to read comes fairly easily. For others, it is a struggle from the beginning, even though they are otherwise normal, and express a desire to learn. The definition of dyslexia is “unexpected” difficulties in learning to read and write.

Dyslexia affects about 20 percent of the population. It is the largest cause of reading learning disabilities.

While those with dyslexia experience reading issues, it is not for lack of intelligence. Many dyslexic people read slowly but think quickly and creatively. Their vision is usually normal.

Many people do not receive a dyslexia diagnosis until adulthood. The reason school was a challenge for them finally makes sense. While an early diagnosis and intervention benefits the individual, those who do not discover they are dyslexic until adulthood can still seek help for their issues.

Some older adults develop dyslexia after brain injury. That form is known as trauma dyslexia. It sometimes appears in the elderly suffering from dementia.

Dyslexia and the Brain

Keep in mind that reading is not a natural human ability. The brain was not designed for reading, per se.

According to the International Dyslexia Foundation, evidence of a connection between dyslexia and brain structure was first determined by the examination of the brains of deceased dyslexics. Typically, the brain’s left hemisphere temporal lobe is slightly asymmetric to the left. In people with dyslexia, that more pronounced left asymmetry is not present. Brain tissue displacement to the surface, known as ectopias, was also noted more often. It is still uncertain just how these differences relate to the individual’s reading and writing systems.

Dyslexia Effects

Dyslexia impacts each person individually. Self-image is often affected, as dyslexics may think of themselves as less intelligent because of their reading difficulties. Academic stress can lead to dropping out of school.

People with dyslexia may find it hard to express themselves clearly to others. This can also lead to issues in relationships and the workplace.

Risk Factors

Some people have a genetic predisposition to dyslexia. The condition affects brain processing of reading and language, and genetic factors play a role. Other risk factors include:

Prematurity or low birth weight
In utero exposure to alcohol, drugs, or nicotine
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Symptoms

Even before children enter school and learn to read, there are signs in young children that dyslexia is a possibility. Take note if a young child exhibits any of the following signs:

Late speech development
Slow learning of new words
Reversing sounds in words
Difficulty remembering colors, letters, and numbers
A hard time learning nursery and other rhymes

In children between the ages of 5 and 12, symptoms of dyslexia include:

Difficulty learning letters names and sounds
Confusing letter order in words
Problems reading aloud
Inconsistent spelling
Struggles with learning sequences, such as the days of the week
Words appear blurry or moving

Transposing letters and numbers, such as b and d or 6 and 9, is another potential sign of dyslexia. So is avoiding any activities involving reading.

Complications

People with dyslexia may experience complications unrelated to reading and writing. They are more likely to have poor time management skills. Their short-term memory is sometimes affected. Some may have accompanying physical coordination issues, formally known as developmental coordination disorder.

Diagnosis

No one test can determine whether someone is dyslexic. Tests for children may include vision, hearing, and neurological examinations. A medical and educational history of the child is taken by the doctor. A reading expert will analyze various academic tests given to the child.

Treatment

There is no cure for dyslexia, but the use of specific educational techniques can help improve reading skills. That is why early evaluation and intervention are critical. When dyslexia is diagnosed in young children and extra help is provided, they may learn to read well enough to succeed in later grades. Many go on to complete college and succeed at the highest levels of their professions.

When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, students may have difficulty learning the necessary reading skills and lag behind their peers. This is often a great source of frustration for the student and parents because other than their reading issues, the student may appear very bright.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA), dyslexic people are entitled to special services so that they may overcome their learning disability.

Students can thrive when teaching methods are modified for their specific needs. Trained teachers or therapists focus on methodologies using multiple senses – hearing, seeing, and touching – at one time.

Allowing dyslexic students extra time to complete tests or tasks is often helpful. Students may benefit from listening to audiobooks rather than reading certain assignments. Alternative means of assessing student performance can give a more accurate picture of the dyslexic student’s progress than standard testing.