Dyslexia: Causes, Symptoms & Supportive Therapies

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder characterised by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities. These challenges stem from differences in how the brain processes language, rather than visual impairments or lack of motivation.

It is a common learning disability that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. This neurodevelopmental disorder makes it challenging for individuals to read, write and spell, despite having normal intelligence. Dyslexia exists on a spectrum, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It's a lifelong condition, but with proper support, individuals can develop coping strategies and achieve success.

Types of Dyslexia

Researchers describe different subtypes or patterns of reading difficulties often seen in dyslexia. While not universally classified as “types,” these categories help explain variations in symptoms:

Phonological Dyslexia

Phonological dyslexia involves problems with breaking words down into individual sounds (phonemes) and matching letters to those sounds. This fundamental skill is crucial for sounding out unfamiliar words. Children with phonological dyslexia often struggle with reading accuracy and rely on guessing or memorising words.

Surface Dyslexia

Surface dyslexia describes difficulty recognising words by sight, especially those with irregular spellings that don't follow typical phonetic rules. For example, words like "enough" or "island" can be especially challenging. Individuals with surface dyslexia may over-rely on sounding out words, even if they've seen them before.

Naming Speed Deficit (Rapid Automatized Naming difficulties)

A naming speed deficit affects how quickly a person can name aloud familiar items, like letters, numbers, colours or objects. This type of dyslexia is linked to slower reading speed and troubles with reading comprehension, even if word recognition itself is not impaired.

Double Deficit Dyslexia

When someone has both phonological processing deficits and rapid naming difficulties, it's referred to as double deficit dyslexia. This combination tends to result in the most severe reading challenges. Children with double deficit dyslexia require intensive, targeted interventions to make progress in reading.

Causes of Dyslexia

The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. While the exact causes are not fully understood, research has identified several key contributors:

• Genetic predisposition to dyslexia tends to run in families.
• Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in language areas.
• Environmental influences, such as language exposure in early childhood.

Genetic Factors

Studies show that dyslexia has a strong genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with dyslexia significantly increases a child's risk of developing the disorder. Specific genes involved in brain development have been linked to dyslexia susceptibility.

Brain Structure Differences

Brain imaging research shows functional and structural differences in regions of the left hemisphere involved in reading and language processing. For example, the left hemisphere areas responsible for processing phonemes tend to be less active in people with dyslexia. These brain differences are present from a young age and may affect how efficiently the brain integrates letters, sounds and meanings.

Environmental Factors

While a genetic predisposition is a key risk factor, a child's environment and experiences also play a role in dyslexia. Some potential environmental influences include:

• Limited exposure to oral and written language in early childhood
• Lack of access to quality reading instruction and materials
• Early adversity, including trauma or chronic stress, may indirectly affect brain development and learning readiness.

Risk Factors for Dyslexia

• Family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Prenatal exposure to nicotine, alcohol, drugs or infections
• Delayed speech and language development in toddlerhood
• Difficulty with rhyming, learning letter names or identifying speech sounds

Symptoms of Dyslexia

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that dyslexia symptoms can vary depending on an individual's age and the severity of the condition. Some common signs include:

• Difficulty learning letter-sound connections and sounding out words
• Slow, laborious reading; avoidance of reading tasks
• Poor spelling, with many errors even in frequently seen words
• Trouble remembering sequences, like days of the week or months
• Struggles with following multi-step oral instructions
• Challenges with remembering basic math facts and computation
• Taking a long time to complete reading and writing assignments
• Low self-esteem about school performance and academic abilities

Preschool Children

In young children who haven't started formal reading instruction, early signs of dyslexia can include:

• Delayed language development; speaking in simple phrases
• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes, songs and chants
• Persistent trouble learning letter names and sounds
• Struggles with pronouncing unfamiliar or multi-syllable words
• Slowness in acquiring new vocabulary words

School-Age Children

Once children begin learning to read and write in school, dyslexia symptoms often become more apparent:

• Reading below grade-level expectations
• Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words; over-reliance on guessing
• Frequent spelling mistakes, even with common sight words
• Omitting or misreading small function words like "of" or "to"
• Trouble remembering details from passages and stories
• Avoidance of reading aloud or independent reading

Teenagers and Adults

• Slow, inefficient reading; continuing to read aloud or move lips
• Poor reading comprehension and trouble summarising key points
• Difficulty completing writing assignments and essay tests on time
• Challenges with note-taking and remembering lecture content
• Struggles with organisation, time management and study skills
• Low self-esteem, anxiety or depression related to academic performance

How Dyslexia Is Diagnosed

• Review of the child's developmental, medical and academic history
• Assessment of intellectual abilities and academic skills
• Evaluation of phonological processing and rapid naming
• Testing of reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension
• Screening for co-occurring conditions like ADHD or anxiety

1. Developmental History Review

A thorough developmental history helps identify early risk factors for dyslexia, like delayed speech milestones or a family history of reading difficulties. A specialist, such as a psychologist, will ask about the child's language development, any medical conditions that could impact learning, and parental concerns about school performance.

2. Cognitive and Reading Tests

• Phonological processing: Tasks measuring the ability to identify and manipulate speech sounds
• Rapid automatised naming: Timed tests of naming speed for familiar symbols
• Word recognition: Reading real and nonsense words to gauge decoding skills
• Reading fluency: Measuring oral reading rate and accuracy
• Reading comprehension: Answering questions about passages and stories
• Spelling and writing: Evaluating encoding abilities and written expression

3. Neurological Exam

Neurological and developmental exams may be used to rule out other conditions (e.g., hearing or vision problems) that can affect learning. Brain imaging is primarily a research tool and is not used in routine diagnosis of dyslexia.

Supportive Therapies for Dyslexia

• Structured dyslexia therapies and literacy programmes focused on explicit, systematic phonics instruction.
• Multisensory teaching methods that engage multiple pathways for learning.
• Assistive technology, like text-to-speech software and audiobooks.
• Speech and language therapy may help children with co-occurring language impairments that contribute to reading difficulties.
• Accommodations, like extra time on tests and a reduced homework load.
• Counselling to address the emotional impact of learning struggles.

Educational Interventions

• Systematic, explicit instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics
• Cumulative lessons that continuously review and build on prior skills
• Highly structured, carefully sequenced teaching of literacy concepts
• Multisensory engagement through sight, hearing, touch and movement
• Ample opportunities for guided practice using an individualised education plan and corrective feedback.

Speech and Language Therapy

Many children with dyslexia have underlying deficits in oral language skills that contribute to their reading difficulties. Speech-language pathologists can work on strengthening phonological awareness, building vocabulary, improving grammar and developing comprehension strategies.

Assistive Technology

• Text-to-speech software that reads digital text aloud
• Audiobooks and human-read audio recordings of textbooks
• Word prediction programs that suggest spellings and sentence completions
• Smartpens that record audio while the student takes notes
• Graphic organisers and mind-mapping apps to support writing

Emotional and Psychological Support

Dyslexia can take a toll on a student's self-esteem and mental health. They may feel frustrated, embarrassed or hopeless about their learning challenges. Counselling can provide a space to process these emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience. Connecting with other dyslexic individuals through support groups can also foster a sense of community and empowerment.

Lifestyle and Home Strategies

• Read together daily, taking turns or using audiobooks.
• Play word games and engage in language-rich activities as a family.
• Provide a quiet, organised space for reading and homework.
• Break assignments into manageable chunks and offer frequent breaks.
• Use graphic organisers, colour coding and other visual aids.
• Praise effort and progress, not just grades or performance.
• Advocate for necessary school services and accommodations.
• Educate family members about dyslexia and available support strategies to ensure understanding and encouragement.

Complications of Untreated Dyslexia

• Academic underachievement and school failure
• Poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression
• Behavioural challenges and acting out due to frustration
• Reduced motivation and learnt helplessness
• Challenges with academic achievement and career opportunities in adulthood
• Difficulty with daily living tasks that involve reading and writing

When to Seek Professional Help

• Difficulty with rhyming, learning the alphabet or connecting letters and sounds in preschool.
• Trouble sounding out simple words by first grade.
• Slow, laborious reading compared to peers by second grade.
• Extreme frustration with reading and writing tasks.
• Avoidance of reading activities or signs of low self-esteem.
• Concerns raised by teachers about reading progress.

Prevention and Early Intervention

• Conduct universal screening for reading difficulties in early grades.
• Provide research-based reading instruction for all students.
• Use a multi-tiered system of supports to identify and help struggling readers early.
• Educate parents and teachers about the dyslexia risk factors and warning signs.
• Offer enriching language experiences and activities starting in infancy.
• Foster a positive attitude toward reading in the home and classroom.

Conclusion

Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects reading, writing and spelling. With early identification and targeted interventions, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive academically. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, don't hesitate to seek an evaluation and support. A combination of structured literacy instruction, assistive technology, and accommodations can help your child develop a positive relationship with reading and reach their full potential.

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FAQs

1. What are the first signs of dyslexia?

Early signs of dyslexia include delayed speech development, difficulty learning letter names and sounds, trouble recognising rhyming words, and problems following verbal instructions. These signs may be apparent in preschool-aged children or the early years of primary school.

2. Can dyslexia be cured?

While there is no cure for dyslexia, individuals can learn strategies to manage their difficulties and improve their reading and writing skills with appropriate interventions. With the right support, people with dyslexia can achieve academic and professional success.

3. Is dyslexia linked to low intelligence?

No, dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects language processing, not overall cognitive ability.

4. At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed?

Dyslexia can be reliably identified once children begin formal reading instruction, typically between the ages of 5 and 7. However, signs of dyslexia may be noticed earlier, particularly if there is a family history of the condition or if a child experiences significant delays in speech and language development.

5. What are the best teaching strategies for children with dyslexia?

The most effective teaching strategies for children with dyslexia include structured literacy programmes with explicit phonics instruction, multisensory techniques that engage visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning, individualised support, and the use of assistive technology.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6005-dyslexia
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dyslexia
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557668/