DYSLEXIA
DEFINITION
Dyslexia is a learning disability (see learning disorders entry) characterized by problems with reading, spelling, writing, speaking, or listening. In many cases, dyslexia appears to be hereditary.
DESCRIPTION
Dyslexia is not a disease. It is a condition in which a person's brain learns in a different way from that of other people. Many people with dyslexia are very intelligent and successful. The condition has nothing to do with a person's intelligence. Dyslexics are often highly talented in many areas, including art, athletics, drama, music, and engineering. These talents often require the ability to bring together sight, spatial skills (the ability to locate objects in three-dimensional space using sight and/or touch), and coordination.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health estimate that about 15 percent of the U.S. population has some form of learning disorder. Those learning disorders are usually related to the use of language and reading. Learning disorders occur in people of all ages, races, and income levels.
CAUSES
The basic cause of dyslexia is not known. Some experts believe that the condition may be hereditary. Others suggest that it may be caused by differences in the structure of a person's brain and the way that brain functions.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of dyslexia are well known. Children with the disorder have trouble learning to read. They may also have problems with hearing the individual sounds in words and understanding how those sounds go together to make a word. They have a tendency to confuse certain letters, such as "b" and "d."
Often a person with dyslexia has a problem translating language into thought, as one does when listening and reading; or translating thought into language, as in writing and speaking.
Common symptoms of dyslexia include problems with:
- Identifying single words
- Understanding sounds in words, sound order, or rhymes
- Spelling
- Transposing (reversing) letters in words
- Handwriting
- Reading comprehension (understanding)
- Delayed spoken language
- Confusion with directions or handedness (right-versus left-handedness)
- Confusion with certain concepts, such as "up" and "down," "early" and "late," and so on
- Mathematics
DIAGNOSIS
A child suspected of being dyslexic should have a complete evaluation. The child's vision, hearing, and intelligence should be tested. The tests should cover all areas of learning, not just reading.
Testing is important because many dyslexic children are not identified early. Teachers and parents may attribute problems in school to factors other than dyslexia and delay treatments that can help the child.
TREATMENT
No single treatment works best with every child. Experts often disagree as to the best method to use. Treatment methods should be designed for each specific child, depending on his or her own individual problems.
People with dyslexia often need a structured language program. Teachers need to focus on the sound of letters and the way they are put together in words. There needs to be a focus on the rules that govern written language. Emphasis should be placed on the individual phonetic (sound) units of words in speech, reading, and writing, rather than on memorizing complete words.
It is important to teach dyslexic students using all of the following functions: hearing, touching, writing, and speaking. This instruction can best be provided by teachers who have specialized training in programs for dyslexic students.
PROGNOSIS
The prognosis for dyslexics is very good. Many successful people have dyslexia. The ability to perform well in daily life depends to a large extent on the specific problems an individual has.
The prognosis is better when dyslexia is diagnosed early. Helping a person to develop a strong self-image and providing support from family, friends, and teachers are important factors. A good remedial program is essential in order to make the greatest progress possible.
PREVENTION
There is no known method for preventing dyslexia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Books
Davis, Ronald D., and Sheldon M. Braun. The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read and How They Can Learn. New York: Perigee, 1997.
Guyer, Barbara P., and Sally E. Shaywitz. The Pretenders: Gifted People Who Have Difficulty Learning. Homewood, IL: High Tide Press, 1997.
Irlen, Helen. Reading by the Colors: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities through the Irlen Method. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1991.
Nosek, Kathleen. Dyslexia in Adults: Taking Charge of Your Life. Dallas: Taylor Publishing, 1997.
Nosek, Kathleen. The Dyslexic Scholar: Helping Your Child Succeed in the School System. Dallas: Taylor Publishing, 1995.
Organizations
International Dyslexia Association (formerly the Orton Dyslexia Society). 8600 LaSalle Rd., Chester Building, Suite 382, Baltimore, MD 21286. (800) ABC–D123.
Learning Disabilities Association. 4156 Library Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234. (412) 341–1515.