Have you had lifelong difficulties with understanding words, letters, and numbers?
Does your child have trouble with reading or spelling?
These struggles might be signs of dyslexia, a learning disability that affects a persons ability to process language.
People with dyslexiastruggle to decode individual words and have poor spelling abilities.
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Dyslexia isnt a new condition and was first described almost 150 years ago.
He described this as word blindness.
In particular, dyslexia is associated with anxiety, anger, embarrassment, discouragement, and depression.
Some people dont realize they have dyslexia until theyre well into adulthood.
Here are some signs of dyslexia in different age groups, according to the Mayo Clinic and Yale University.
These are the areas responsible for language comprehension and expression.
Its also believed that dyslexia runs in families, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Being exposed to alcohol, drugs, or infections while in the womb can also raise the risk.
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Dyslexia Causes: Myths, Questions, and Answers
How Is Dyslexia Diagnosed?
If a teacher doesnt notice reading problems in your child, but you do, speak with your pediatrician.
Theres no single test, like a blood test, that can diagnose dyslexia.
Rather, your doctor will refer you to a dyslexia specialist.
These specialists will then schedule a series of tests to make a diagnosis.
These professionals may also include a reading specialist or a neuropsychologist.
Children may fall behind in school and have difficulty catching up.
In addition, identification of an alternative learning disability is important so that appropriate treatment can be recommended.
Outcomes often depend on how soon a person receives a diagnosis and intervention to address their specific learning issue.
Generally, the outlook is positive when dyslexia is diagnosed early.
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This doesnt mean that those diagnosed later in life will have a worse outcome.
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What Are the Different Types of Dyslexia?
There isnt just one punch in of dyslexia.
Once a specialist makes a diagnosis, theyll design a treatment plan to best address your specific needs.
Treatment plans often involve a reading program to help individuals learn how to properly match letters and sounds.
For example, you might encourage reading at home.
The more your child practices reading and uses the techniques theyve learned, the sooner theyll see improvement.
If your child doesnt like reading, set a positive example and read with them.
This can lead to discouragement, low self-esteem, and social problems.
Some children might even act out as a way to cope with their frustration.
This prevents some people from reaching their full potential, both professionally and economically.
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Research and Statistics: How Common Is Dyslexia?
It appears to affect people equally, regardless of race or gender.
Related Conditions and Causes of Dyslexia
Dyslexia can sometimes occur with other medical conditions.
(1) It can be difficult to treat dyslexia when a person also has problems focusing.
When dyslexia is left untreated, feelings of frustration can escalate and affect a persons self-image.
Some people with dyslexia also have low self-esteem and low self-confidence.
As a result, they may feel uncomfortable around people.
They may withdraw socially and have fewer friends.
Dyslexia may also occur with developmental coordination disorders and autism.
Problems with the physical act of writing and understanding math concepts can also co-occur.
Some people with dyslexia also deal with dyscalculia, which refers to difficulty in computing numbers and performing calculations.
Some dyslexics have trouble telling the difference between left and right.
Learn More About Health Conditions That May Occur With Dyslexia
Who Are Some Famous People With Dyslexia?
Favorite Orgs for Essential Dyslexia Information
ReadSource
This website is a one-stop resource for dyslexia.
Youll find information on symptoms, challenges of living with the condition, remediation strategies, and more.
Headstrong Nation
This is an excellent resource for debunking myths and empowering people living with dyslexia.
A noteworthy section is the sites Learn the Facts page, which focuses on truths about the condition.
Learning Disability Association of America
The LDAs vision is a world where learning disabilities are universally understood.
Youll find helpful information on teaching, guidebooks, and the most recent research.
Favorite Online Support Networks
Homeschooling With Dyslexia
Homeschooling allows your child to progress at their own pace.
But homeschooling a child with dyslexia has its challenges.
This Facebook group provides a way to connect with other parents in your situation.
Youre able to ask questions, trade information, and learn about different teaching techniques.
LDOnline is an excellent place to receive input on your most important questions.
Each month, experts weigh in and answer questions from within the community.
Ask your own questions, or read expert responses given to others.
Favorite Reading Resources
Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets provides several helpful tools to help kids struggling to read.
Its a great opportunity to read firsthand experiences and get advice from others who understand the condition.
Youll find resources related to reading and writing, speech, time management and organization, and more.
Each game will test a specific learning skill and then provide suggestions on how to improve these skills.
Its a child-friendly app, but also helpful for high schoolers, college students, and older adults.
She previously taught and mentored medical trainees at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Young graduated magna cum laude fromGeorgetown University with a bachelor of science degree in neurobiology and theology.
During her psychiatry training, Young sought additional training in womens mental health and cognitive behavioral therapy.
