Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States. In fact, you probably know at least one person who has dyslexia. What are the symptoms for dyslexia, and can it be cured? What should you watch for as your children start school? This comprehensive guide explains what dyslexia is.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects a person’s ability to read and speak. Dyslexia is most often characterized by mixing up letters that look similar, such as “d” and “b”. Dyslexia impacts as much as 20% of the population, and it affects over 80% of people with diagnosed learning disabilities.
Dyslexia typically impacts children as they learn to speak and read, but that doesn’t mean the symptoms are limited to children. This learning disability affects every age group, and it’s never too late to pursue dyslexia treatment.
Dyslexia Symptoms: What Does Dyslexia Look Like?
Dyslexia symptoms may look different as a person ages. You may notice signs in your child’s toddler years, but they may not develop until he or she starts school.
Dyslexia symptoms in toddlers:
- Trouble learning nursery rhymes or songs
- Problems identifying individual letters
- Reversing sounds in words
- Delayed speech and language development
- Difficulty remembering the names of numbers and colors
Dyslexia symptoms in young children:
- Reading below grade level
- Avoiding reading or getting frustrated by reading tasks
- Trouble spelling or seeing differences in words
- Issues sounding out words based on their individual parts
- Problems finding the right words to answer questions
- Difficulty remembering items in a sequence
Dyslexia symptoms in older children, teens and adults:
- Needing extended time to complete reading and writing tasks
- Trouble spelling or memorizing information
- Difficulty with reading comprehension, specifically in regards to summarizing something they’ve read or listened to
- Mispronouncing words, especially if they’ve never seen them
- Avoiding English or reading classes altogether
- Anxiety at school or work
What Causes Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is considered a genetic condition, and it often runs in families. It impacts the part of the brain that processes and interprets language. Dyslexia makes it difficult for the brain to connect sounds together to form words, which is why some people with dyslexia “read words backwards.”
How Is Dyslexia Diagnosed?
Dyslexia testing is readily available throughout the United States. A learning disabilities specialist can evaluate a person’s symptoms to determine if dyslexia is the root cause. Many dyslexia symptoms overlap other conditions, such as anxiety and ADHD. The person may be dealing with a combination of conditions as well. A definitive diagnosis is the first step in getting support and treatment.
CNLD Testing & Therapy offers dyslexia testing in Ann Arbor MI. We are proud to serve many of the surrounding Southeast Michigan communities, and we are celebrated by our high accuracy rates. In addition to learning disability testing, we offer educational advocacy and follow-up support for all age groups. Contact us at (734) 994-9466 to schedule an appointment.
Can Dyslexia Be Cured?
Dyslexia cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed. The dyslexia won’t go away, but you can control how it impacts your life. Schools are required to provide educational accommodations for students with diagnosed dyslexia, and our educational advocates can help you pursue those supports. Furthermore, you or your child can learn personalized tools to cope with dyslexia side effects and enjoy a better quality of life.
