Pronounced: Dis-LEK-see-uh
Dyslexia is a common learning problem that makes it hard for someone to read, write, and spell.
It is caused by problems with certain genes. The way the brain grows and works also plays a role.
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Having a family member with this problem raises a person's risk.
A person may have problems:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam, hearing, and vision tests will be done. Exams may also need to be done by a learning specialist, a psychologist, or a neurologist.
There is no cure. Getting treated early can help a child learn to cope. Teachers, tutors, and learning specialists can help. Choices may be:
Remediation is a way of teaching language skills. Some methods are:
Compensatory strategies are ways to work-around the problems caused by dyslexia. Some methods are:
This problem cannot be prevented.
International Dyslexia Association
http://eida.org
National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ld.org
Canadian Dyslexia Association
http://www.dyslexiaassociation.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Dyslexia. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/dyslexia.html. Updated September 2018. Accessed April 8, 2020.
Dyslexia basics. International Dyslexia Association website. Available at: http://eida.org/dyslexia-basics. Accessed April 8, 2020.
Frequently asked questions about dyslexia. International Dyslexia Association website. Available at: http://eida.org/frequently-asked-questions-2. Accessed April 8, 2020.
Understanding dyslexia. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/dyslexia.html. Updated September 2018. Accessed April 8, 2020.
Understanding dyslexia. Understood for Learning and Attention Issues website. Available at: https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia. Accessed April 8, 2020.
Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 4/8/2020
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