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What Is Dyslexia? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Dyslexia? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disorder that impacts individuals' reading, writing, and spelling abilities. It is characterized by challenges in language processing, specifically in decoding and phonological awareness. In this article, we will delve into what dyslexia is, its symptoms, the diagnosis process, and the treatment options available.


What is Dyslexia?

The term "dyslexia" refers to difficulties with words (Catts & Kamhi, 2005). It is not caused by a lack of intelligence, ineffective teaching methods, or speech or hearing impairments, but rather by variations in brain functioning.


This neurobiological disability is “characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.” (Lyon, Shaywitz, & Shaywitz, 2003, p. 2).


This issue in recognizing and manipulating sounds in words can lead to challenges in reading, spelling, and writing (NHS, 2022). Individuals with dyslexia may also encounter hardships in remembering and organizing information, particularly when it involves sequences such as the alphabet or counting. It is important to note that dyslexia is not caused by a lack of intelligence or ineffective teaching methods, but rather by disparities in brain function.


Symptoms

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that typically becomes apparent during childhood. It can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other learning difficulties or conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


The symptoms of dyslexia can manifest in various ways and may differ from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Difficulty with reading and decoding: Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with recognizing and understanding written words. They may have difficulty sounding out words, blending sounds, and decoding unfamiliar words.
  • Challenges with spelling: Dyslexia often affects spelling skills, as individuals may have trouble identifying the sounds in words and applying correct spelling rules.
  • Slow reading speed: Individuals with dyslexia may read at a slower pace than their peers due to the effort required to decode and comprehend text.
  • Challenges with writing: Dyslexia can impact writing skills, making it challenging to express thoughts and ideas coherently. Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and difficulties with organizing written work are common.
  • Limited phonological awareness: Phonological awareness refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with tasks such as rhyming, identifying syllables, or breaking words into individual sounds.
  • Poor working memory: Dyslexia can impact working memory, making it harder for individuals to remember and retain information, particularly when it involves sequencing or auditory tasks.



Diagnosis of Dyslexia

Diagnosing dyslexia typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified professional, such as an educational psychologist or a learning specialist. The evaluation may include:

  • Detailed history: Gathering information about the individual's developmental and educational background, as well as any family history of reading difficulties.
  • Assessment of reading and language skills: Evaluating the individual's reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and phonological processing abilities using standardized tests and observations.
  • Cognitive assessment: Assessing cognitive abilities such as intelligence, memory, and processing speed to rule out other potential causes for learning difficulties.
  • Additional assessments: Additional tests may be administered to assess visual and auditory processing, attention, and executive functioning skills.


The diagnostic process takes into account the individual's performance in relation to their age and educational expectations. Its goal is to identify specific areas of weakness and determine if the difficulties align with the characteristics of dyslexia. A comprehensive evaluation helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and guides the development of appropriate interventions and support.


Treatment and Support

While there is no known cure for dyslexia, there are various interventions and support options that can greatly improve reading and writing skills, as well as overall academic achievement. These approaches aim to address the specific needs and challenges of individuals with dyslexia.


One highly effective intervention is structured literacy instruction, which is an evidence-based approach that emphasizes teaching phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. This method utilizes a systematic and explicit instructional approach tailored to the individual's needs, helping them develop strong foundational skills in reading and writing.


In addition to structured literacy instruction, multisensory techniques are also commonly utilized to enhance learning and memory for individuals with dyslexia. By engaging multiple senses, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities, these techniques can facilitate the acquisition and retention of language skills. Activities like using sand trays, manipulatives, or colored overlays provide a hands-on and interactive learning experience, supporting reading and writing skills.


Assistive technology tools have become invaluable in supporting individuals with dyslexia. Text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, and specialized apps offer assistance with reading, writing, and organization. Electronic devices with adjustable font sizes and background colors further aid individuals in accessing and processing written information more easily, reducing barriers to learning.


Within educational settings, accommodations, and modifications play a crucial role in supporting students with dyslexia. These accommodations may include extended time for assignments and exams, preferential seating, provision of notes or outlines, and the utilization of alternative assessment formats. By implementing these adjustments, students can access the curriculum on an equitable basis and demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.


While addressing the academic aspects of dyslexia is crucial, it is equally important to consider the emotional and social impact of the condition. Providing psychological support, counseling, and promoting self-esteem building activities can help individuals cope with the challenges they face and develop a positive mindset towards their abilities. By nurturing their emotional well-being, individuals with dyslexia can build resilience and confidence in their academic journey.


In conclusion, dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects language processing, but it should never define a person's intelligence or effort. Early identification, evidence-based interventions, and comprehensive support are essential for individuals with dyslexia to thrive academically and personally. By fostering an inclusive environment that promotes awareness, understanding, and celebrates strengths and talents, we can empower these individuals to unlock their full potential and make valuable contributions to society.


Discover and sign up for Jade Edu


Jade Edu, developed by Jade Autism, is an educational software designed to support children and adolescents with autism, dyslexia, Down Syndrome and another neurodivergencies. Through its gamified learning experiences, Jade Edu promotes cognitive development and enhances fundamental learning skills, benefiting students both within and beyond the classroom.


By measuring student performance, the software effectively identifies areas of difficulty and untapped potential. It then generates comprehensive reports for teachers, empowering them to create personalized teaching strategies and foster a more inclusive learning environment. The software engages learners, making the educational journey enjoyable and rewarding.


Let's work together to make a difference in the lives of these students. Sign up for Jade Edu today!




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References

Catts, H.W., & Kamhi, A.G. (2005). Language and reading disabilities (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Hudson, Roxanne F., et al. “Dyslexia and the Brain: What Does Current Research Tell Us?” The Reading Teacher, vol. 60, no. 6, 2007, pp. 506–15. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20204497. Accessed 24 May 2023.

Lyon, G.R., Shaywitz, S.E., & Shaywitz, B.A. (2003). Defining dyslexia, comorbidity, teachers' knowledge of language and reading. Annals of Dyslexia, 53, 1-14

NHS. (2022). Dyslexia. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Dyslexia


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