When to See a Doctor
It’s recommended to see a doctor if a child or adult is showing signs of difficulty with reading, writing, or spelling. A qualified professional, such as a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or learning specialist, can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if dyslexia is the cause of the difficulty and develop an appropriate treatment plan. It’s also important for parents and teachers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dyslexia and to seek help as soon as possible if they suspect that a child or student may have the condition. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping individuals with dyslexia to achieve their full potential.
What Is Dyslexia? Symptoms, and Causes
Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty in reading, writing and spelling. It is a specific learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to process written or spoken language. It is not a problem with intelligence, but rather with the way the brain processes language. The term dyslexia comes from Greek, “dys” meaning difficulty and “lexis” meaning word or language.
The symptoms of dyslexia can vary widely, but they often include difficulty with decoding, recognizing words, and understanding spoken language. Some common characteristics of dyslexia include: difficulty with phonological processing, difficulty with word decoding, difficulty with fluency, difficulty with comprehension, and difficulty with spelling. Dyslexia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is considered to be the most common learning disorder
- According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting approximately 10-15% of the population. However, the prevalence of dyslexia varies by population and the criteria used for diagnosis.
- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) estimates that 20% of the US population has symptoms of dyslexia.
- Studies show that dyslexia is more common in men than women, with a ratio of about 4:1.