Dyslexia: Signs, Causes and Treatments
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in reading, spelling and writing. Unlike a learning disability, intelligence is not affected. However, dyslexia can present challenges in academics and everyday tasks.
Causes of Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to process written language. It’s characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling and decoding messages. Dyslexia can manifest differently in people, with some experiencing more challenges in phonological processing while others struggle with recognizing whole words by sight.
There are common variations of dyslexia, and it helps to discover which type the patient has. Once there’s a diagnosis, specialists can help guide the development of tailored interventions to address their unique needs and emotional health.
Is dyslexia a disability?
Dyslexia is recognized as a specific learning disability. It’s covered in the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Federal regulations insist that people with dyslexia receive support and accommodations in educational settings. This legal recognition emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of people with dyslexia and providing the tools they need for school and learning.
Is dyslexia genetic?
Research indicates that dyslexia often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. If a parent has dyslexia, their children are at higher risk of having the condition. Scientists have identified several genes that are associated with reading and language processing, further supporting the genetic link. Understanding the genetic connection may help in early identification and intervention strategies.
Different Types of Dyslexia
The exact cause of dyslexia remains unknown but is believed to be intricately linked to the way your brain processes language. There are several types of dyslexia, each with unique characteristics:
- Phonological dyslexia: Extreme difficulty reading and lacking the ability to manipulate the basic sounds of words and language
- Surface dyslexia: Patients can easily sound out new words but cannot recognize familiar words by sight.
- Rapid naming deficit: Trouble recognizing and naming letters, numbers, addresses, colors.
- Double deficit dyslexia: A complex combination of phonological issues as well as rapid naming deficit.
Signs of dyslexia
Recognizing the early signs and side effects of dyslexia can lead to timely diagnosis. Signs and signals of possible dyslexia vary based on age. For example:
Toddlers
- Difficulty learning the alphabet
- Struggling with rhyming words
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
School-aged children
- Reading below the expected age level
- Problems with spelling
- Avoiding reading aloud
- Mispronouncing names or words
- Difficulty with word problems in math
Teens and adults
- Trouble summarizing a story
- Difficulty learning a foreign language
- Poor organizational skills
- Avoiding reading and writing tasks
Diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia
Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist, usually a psychologist or reading specialist. The evaluation can include:
- Reading and phonological tests to assess reading and processing
- Cognitive assessments to rule out other learning disabilities
- Educational reviews of academic performance and school history
Educational intervention
Specialized educational programs are the most effective treatment for dyslexia. These programs focus on:
- Helping people recognize and process the sounds of language
- Using visual, auditory and tactile pathways to enhance memory and learning
- Teaching strategies to improve understanding and retention of words
Assistive technology
Innovative tools can now assist people with dyslexia tackle more in their daily tasks.
- Text-to-speech software converts written text into spoken word.
- Speech-to-text software allows a person to speak into a microphone and transcribe in real-time.
- Audiobooks are a portable, affordable alternative way to access words.
6 Tips for Living with Dyslexia
Living with dyslexia can be challenging but people can still thrive socially, academically and professionally.
- Practice reading regularly
- Use calendars, planners and apps to stay organized
- Join support groups to share experiences
- Understand patient rights and available accommodations
- Communicate your needs to teachers, employers and peers
- Seeking out local resources and support services
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition but with early identification, interventions and ongoing support, people with dyslexia can achieve their full potential. By fostering a supportive environment and utilizing available resources, we can help individuals with dyslexia overcome challenges and succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
Schedule an intake
To learn more, call 215-489-3028 or complete the online contact form. Once a student has been referred to LifeWorks by the local school district, our admissions staff will call to schedule the child’s clinical intake and school tour. Parents and caregivers are welcome. Staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
We admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies and admissions policies.