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Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a person’s ability to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak, despite even being smart and motivated enough to learn. It is a common learning difficulty that primarily affects language-related tasks. Dyslexia is a lifetime condition that often goes undiagnosed for years and isn’t recognized until adulthood.
Here’s everything you need to know about dyslexia:
Definition
Dyslexia is a specific language-based disorder that involves difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. It is not related to any problems with intelligence, but rather to the way the brain processes information.
Prevalence
Dyslexia occurs worldwide and affects individuals across different age groups and ethnicities. Experts estimate that around between 5% and 17% of school-age children in India have dyslexia, making it one of the most common learning disabilities in children.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of dyslexia can vary from person to person, and they may change over time as individuals develop different coping strategies. Here are some common symptoms associated with dyslexia:
Reading difficulties
People with dyslexia experience challenges with recognizing and decoding words. They may also struggle to understand the meaning of what they have read, which can result in slow and laborious reading.
Spelling difficulties
Dyslexia can impact phonemic awareness due to which they may misspell words, have inconsistent spelling patterns, or struggle with remembering spelling rules.
Writing difficulties
Individuals with dyslexia may have trouble organising their thoughts, expressing ideas coherently, and using proper grammar and punctuation.
Phonological difficulties
People with dyslexia may have persisting problems in the development of speech-sound (phonological) skills, which may make it difficult to identify rhyming words, segment and blend sounds, or manipulate sounds within words.
Slow processing speed
Individuals with dyslexia may take longer to process information, both in reading and in other tasks. This slower processing speed can be an obstacle to their overall academic performance.
Directionality confusion
Dyslexia can lead to difficulties with spatial awareness and directionality. Individuals may struggle to distinguish left from right, letter and number reversals (e.g., b/d, 6/9), and follow a sequence of directions.
Difficulty with sequencing and organization
Dyslexia can affect an individual’s ability to sequence information, such as following instructions in order or organizing their thoughts. This sequencing deficit may make it difficult to perform tasks that require sequential processing, like maths problems or following multi-step directions.
Working memory issues
Working memory involves the ability to retain information in the mind. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulties with working memory, personal organisational abilities, time management and prioritising tasks, which can impact the ability to remember and apply information while reading, writing, or solving problems.
Causes
The exact causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, but according to research, it is believed to have a genetic component. The condition tends to run in families, and if your parents, siblings, or other family members have dyslexia, you are more likely to have it as well. Brain imaging studies have also shown differences in brain structure, function and chemistry in individuals with dyslexia, particularly in areas responsible for language processing.
Diagnosis
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed by professionals such as psychologists, educational specialists, or speech-language pathologists. There is no single blood test or lab screening that can diagnose dyslexia. The evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s reading and writing skills, cognitive abilities, and educational history.
Treatment and support
Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, early intervention and appropriate support can significantly improve reading and writing skills. Treatment for dyslexia-related reading difficulties focuses on teaching phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, and comprehension strategies.
Emotional and social impact
According to studies, children with dyslexia show greater emotional reactivity than children without dyslexia. The frustrating nature of this learning disability can cause people with dyslexia to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, frustration, and poor mental health due to academic difficulties and challenges in everyday life.
Awareness
Raising awareness about dyslexia is crucial for promoting understanding and support. It is crucial to provide a supportive and understanding environment to help individuals with dyslexia thrive.
Closing thoughts
Remember, the information provided here is a general overview of dyslexia. Not all individuals with dyslexia will exhibit the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary. A comprehensive evaluation by a professional can help identify specific strengths and challenges in order to develop appropriate interventions and support strategies.
If you or someone you know suspects dyslexia, it is important to consult with professionals for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised advice.
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