Dyslexia: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dyslexia is a learning condition that makes reading and language-related tasks more difficult. It happens as a result of errors in the way your brain interprets written language. Most people discover they have dyslexia when they are young, and it is often a lifetime problem. This type of dyslexia is often called "developmental dyslexia."

The term "specific learning disorder" refers to dyslexia. There are three primary subtypes of that disorder:

• Dyslexia during reading.
• Dysgraphia, the inability to write.
• Mathematics (dyscalculia).

Causes Of Dyslexia

It's unclear what specifically causes dyslexia. However, various hints point to how and why the majority of cases occur.

• Genetics. Highly inherited, dyslexia runs in families. A child has a 30% to 50% probability of inheriting dyslexia if one parent has the condition. Dyslexia may also be more common in people who have genetic disorders like Down syndrome.
• Variations in brain development and functioning. Having dyslexia makes you neurodivergent. That indicates that your brain is not wired or functions as it should. According to research, people with dyslexia have altered brain chemistry, function, and structure.
• Disruptions in brain function and development. Events like infections, chemical exposures, and others can interfere with foetal development and raise the risk that dyslexia will develop later in life.

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Symptoms Of Dyslexia

It might be difficult to identify dyslexia symptoms before your child enters school, but there are certain telltale indicators that may indicate a problem. The first person to notice an issue may be your child's teacher once he or she is old enough to start school. The sickness might be mild or severe, but it typically shows up as a child starts to learn to read.

Children with dyslexia may exhibit early warning signs like:

• Delayed talking
• Slowly acquiring new vocabulary
• Faulty word formation, such as inverting sounds in words or misplacing words with similar sounds
• Problems remembering or naming letters, numbers, and colours
• Playing rhyme games or finding it difficult to remember nursery rhymes
• School age

The following dyslexia warning signals may become more obvious once your child begins reading.

• Problems processing and understanding what is heard
• Difficulties coming up with the proper term or formulating replies to inquiries reading substantially below the expected level for age
• Issues with recalling the order of events
• Patterns and distinctions in letters and words are difficult to recognise, and they are only sometimes heard.
• Inability to correctly pronounce a word using sound
• Problematic spelling
• Reading and writing assignments taking an exceptionally long time to complete
• Avoiding reading-related tasks

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Adult and teen

Teenagers and adults who have dyslexia share many characteristics with youngsters. The following signs and symptoms are typically seen in dyslexic teens and adults:

• Reading challenges, including speaking aloud

• Slow and laborious writing and reading
• Spelling mistakes, Avoiding reading-related tasks
• Issues with pronunciation of words or names locating words
• Reading and writing assignments taking an exceptionally long time to complete
• Having trouble condensing a story
• Problems with foreign language acquisition
• Difficulty solving word problems in maths

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Risk Factors Of Dyslexia

Several risk factors can affect a person's likelihood of developing dyslexia. They consist of, but are not restricted to:

• Exposure to toxins. Your risk of acquiring dyslexia may rise due to air and water pollution. This is especially true for nicotine, certain compounds used as flame retardants, and heavy metals (such lead or manganese).
• Absence of reading materials. Children who grow up in homes where reading isn't encouraged or where there isn't as much reading material available are more likely to acquire dyslexia.
• Restrictions on the Learning Environment. Children who receive less help for their learning in school or other similar settings are more likely to acquire dyslexia.

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Diagnosis Of Dyslexia

Dyslexia cannot be identified by a single test. There are numerous factors considered, including:

• The growth of your child, any educational problems, and any medical background. You will probably be questioned by the doctor about these topics. Additionally, any conditions that run in the family, such as dyslexia or any other kind of learning problem, should be disclosed to the physician.

• Questionnaires. The service provider might ask your child, their carers, or their teachers to complete surveys. Tests to measure reading and language skills may be given to your child.
• Tests for the brain (neurological), vision, and hearing. These can assist in figuring out whether another disorder is contributing to or causing your child's reading difficulties.
• Psychological Assessment. To learn more about your kid's mental health, the physician might ask you and your child questions. This can assist identify whether your child's abilities may be being hampered by social issues, anxiety, or despair.
• Tests of academic skills like reading. Your child may take a battery of academic exams, after which a reading specialist will assess your child's reading abilities.

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Treatment Of Dyslexia

Dyslexia cannot be cured, however, a number of strategies can significantly ease day-to-day activities.

Each person with dyslexia is affected differently, and most people are able to succeed despite their learning disabilities.

Early diagnosis and support can be beneficial in the long run. Children with dyslexia may benefit from:

An assessment of each person's needs: This aids teachers in creating a child-specific program.

Learning aids that appeal to the senses of touch, vision, and hearing may be helpful for children with dyslexia.

Support and guidance: Counselling can help reduce any negative impacts on self-esteem. Giving extra time on tests is just one example of another type of support.

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