Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that typically affects reading skills. It is thought to be caused by a difference in the way the brain processes information. Dyslexia can run in families, but it is not currently known to be caused by any one gene.
Dyslexia typically becomes apparent when children start school and are asked to read. It can affect children of all intelligence levels and socioeconomic backgrounds. While dyslexia is nothing something that can be cured, it can be managed with proper diagnosis and intervention. With the right support, many children with dyslexia can learn to read and write effectively.
How Does Dyslexia Affect Children?
Dyslexia affects each child differently. Some children may have difficulty with some reading skills, while others may have trouble with all reading skills. Common symptoms of dyslexia include:
- Difficulty learning the alphabet or being able to associate letters with their corresponding sounds
- Slow or poor reading comprehension
- Struggling to read aloud
- Reversing letter or word order when reading or writing (for example, “b” instead of “d”)
- Trouble with rhyming words
If you are concerned that your child might have dyslexia, your first step should be to talk to your child’s doctor or educator. They can help you plan your next steps, which may include a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists. With proper diagnosis and intervention, children with dyslexia can learn to read and write effectively.