Dyslexia is a condition that makes it hard for people suffering from it to read and learn. The condition happens when there are issues with the way an individual’s brain processes graphic symbols. People assume that individuals with dyslexia lack intelligence. However, this is not true, as even individuals with severe dyslexia can be very brilliant. Therefore, dyslexia is not a condition linked to intelligence but a condition that makes people read at a slower rate than their peers. This article gives a deep insight into dyslexia, its symptoms, diagnosis, and remedy.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to read, write, spell, and speak. Kids that have this condition are usually very smart and hardworking. However, they have issues connecting letters to the sounds they make. Due to this, they might be assumed to lack in intelligence. However, this is usually not the case.

Dyslexia is a very common condition in the United States, as 5% – 10% Americans exhibit symptoms of dyslexia like slow reading, mixing up words, or issues with spelling. This condition does not just affect kids, as adults can have dyslexia too. Due to the nature of the condition, some people do not realize they have dyslexia until they get older.

What Causes Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a condition that usually runs in families, and thus it is linked to genetics. This means that one is likely to suffer from dyslexia if his/her parents, siblings, or relatives have the condition. The health problem emanates from the part of your brain that processes language. Research shows that dyslexia is due to a dysfunction in the areas of the brain, which should be active when reading. This makes it hard for a person to connect letters to the sound the make and blend them into words.

What are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?

Dyslexia affects people in different ways. Therefore, its symptoms will vary from one person to another. At most times, dyslexia symptoms manifest as issues with accuracy and fluency in spelling and reading. However, the condition can affect writing, language, and math as well.

A major symptom to look out for is an issue with decoding words. Kids might have issues matching letters to sounds and using them to read fluently. The main reason why children have this issue is a condition referred to as phonemic awareness, which helps a person recognize certain sounds in words. Although dyslexia is a condition that can show up as early as preschool, some kids may not experience it until later on, when dealing with complex learning skills. These may include reading fluency, comprehension, and in-depth writing.
One sign of dyslexia is when children avoid reading to themselves and aloud. Kids may even get frustrated and anxious when reading and this can happen even after they master the fundamentals of reading.

Common Dyslexia Signs to Look Out For

• Problem recognizing letters and using them for different sounds.
• Struggle learning new words.
• Forgetting the spelling of different words just learnt.
• Trouble combining different sounds to make words.
• Issues recognizing when two words rhyme.
• Reads at a slower pace than how he/she speaks.
• Problems recognizing common sight words.

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?

It is important to reach out to a healthcare provider if you notice any issues with your child’s development that might show signs of dyslexia. The condition can be difficult to diagnose, and your pediatrician will have to look at different things to diagnose the disability. The tests conducted will help determine if the reading level of your child compares to the expected reading potential. The test also assesses how your kid processes information and the way they give out the information.

What is the Treatment for Dyslexia?

After the medical evaluation is conducted, the process for remedying dyslexia commences. While many theories relating to successful treatment of dyslexia exist, it is good to note that the condition has no cure. Nevertheless, dyslexia is manageable. It will require the input of both the parents and teachers to improve the reading skills of the child. Every action should be conducted to improve the child’s weaknesses by utilizing his/her strengths.

Dyslexia is a condition that causes difficulty in learning to read. The health condition can be caused by hereditary factors and issues related to brain development. Some symptoms of dyslexia include issues combining sounds to make words, trouble learning new words, and reading at a slower pace than expected. Diagnosing dyslexia entails reviewing an individual’s ability to process information from hearing, seeing, reading, writing, and participating in activities. Treating dyslexia takes time and requires input from the parents and teachers.

If you suspect that your child has dyslexia or another learning disability, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an evaluation so that you can be sure.