Dyslexia: The learning disorder that affects millions. Causes, diagnosis and treatment

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes reading and language-related tasks difficult due to disruptions in the brain’s processing of writing. It is usually acquired in childhood and is a lifelong problem. Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder with three main subtypes: dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

Dyslexia affects language comprehension by disrupting the brain’s ability to process spoken language and “decode” writing. This slowing of processing can lead to slower reading, difficulty writing and spelling, memory problems, and difficulty forming sentences to communicate complex ideas. Dyslexia is also known as developmental dyslexia and falls under the category of specific learning disorders.

A rare but widespread condition, dyslexia affects approximately 7% of the global population, regardless of gender or race. However, many people have symptoms that are not severe enough to be diagnosed, affecting up to 20% of the population.

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symptom

Dyslexia is a condition that is highly genetic and can be passed down from family to family. It is a highly heritable condition, with a 30% to 50% chance of inheriting it. Dyslexia is neurodivergent, which means the brain works differently than expected. Disturbances in brain development and function can be caused by infections, toxic exposures, and other events.

Risk factors for dyslexia include toxic exposures such as heavy metals, nicotine, and flame retardant chemicals, lack of access to reading materials, and limitations in the learning environment.

These factors can increase the chances of later developing dyslexia. In addition, children who grow up in households where reading is not encouraged or where reading material is less available are at greater risk of developing dyslexia. Overall, dyslexia is a complex condition that requires a complex approach to treatment.

Dyslexia is a condition characterized by difficulty spelling, learning letter names, distinguishing letters with similar shapes, rhyming, reluctance to read aloud, pronouncing new words, associating sounds with letters or parts of words, learning how sounds go together and confusing the position of sounds in a word.

Although dyslexia does not necessarily indicate that a person has dyslexia, screening and testing can help determine if specialized help is needed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dyslexia has three levels of severity: mild, where the difficulties can be compensated for with appropriate adaptations or support, moderate, where specialized instruction and support may be needed, and severe, where the difficulties persists despite interventions and specialized treatment.

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Diagnostic

Dyslexia, a reading problem caused by brain differences, cannot be detected by blood tests or laboratory tests. Instead, it can be identified by assessing and testing common signs such as decoding, oral language skills, reading fluency, spelling, vocabulary, and word recognition.

Early testing is best for learning disabilities because children often show reading problems before third grade. Schools may recommend an evaluation with a certified educational psychologist, and parents should ask the school administration for help in finding one.

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Treatment

Dyslexia is a learning and reading disorder that cannot be treated with medication. Instead, educational interventions can teach new effective ways of learning and reading. Children with dyslexia can work with a trained specialist to learn new reading skills. Parents can also work with their child’s school to make sure they get the education they deserve.

To help their child with dyslexia, parents should spend time reading aloud together, be patient and supportive, and develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with their child’s school. Adults can also benefit from dyslexia treatment, with programs and tools available to help with dyslexia-related reading difficulties.

Strategies to prevent dyslexia include talking to a doctor if you notice early signs of dyslexia, working with your child’s school to develop an individualized education plan, and supporting your child’s mental health. Mental health care may be considered if the person is experiencing anxiety or other problems related to their dyslexia.

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