Dyslexia
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - R48.0
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is distinct from developmental and language disorders because it has a neurobiological origin.
People with dyslexia may have difficulty recognizing words and understanding their meaning. It is a persistent condition, but it is not related to a person’s intelligence.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dyslexia can vary from person to person, and the signs usually become more noticeable when the individual begins learning to read. The most common symptoms include:
- difficulty identifying letters and sounds
- slow reading
- difficulty memorizing and recalling common words (such as “the,” “and,” and “of”)
- difficulty organizing thoughts when writing
Causes
The causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, as it is a neurological condition. However, some of the possible associated factors include:
- genetic factors: there appears to be a genetic predisposition—when one parent has dyslexia, the likelihood of a child having it may be higher
- differences in brain development: studies show that people with dyslexia may have differences in the structure and functioning of the brain, especially in areas related to language and reading
- phonological processing issues: many individuals with dyslexia have difficulty recognizing and manipulating the sounds of language. This can affect their ability to associate letters with sounds
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dyslexia involves an evaluation conducted by qualified healthcare professionals. Typically, the diagnostic process includes the following steps:
- collection of clinical and educational history: interviews with parents, guardians, and individuals close to the child to gather information about the child’s developmental background
- assessment of reading and related skills: standardized tests are administered to evaluate reading, spelling, and other language-related abilities
- assessment of phonological processing: specific tests are used to evaluate the child’s ability to manipulate and process speech sounds
Treatment
Treatment is carried out through medical follow-up and therapy, including:
- speech therapy: aimed at improving, rehabilitating, or enhancing functions related to speech, breathing, and chewing
- psychopedagogy: a field that studies the relationship between learning and the human mind. Its main goal is to analyze and develop strategies to overcome learning difficulties and deficiencies
- psychologists: conduct assessments to identify the presence of dyslexia and evaluate its impact on the individual’s overall abilities
Children should be evaluated by a physician and referred to a multidisciplinary team, such as speech therapists and psychologists, to confirm the diagnosis.