| Dyslexia is a learning difference, not a disability. There is nothing wrong with a dyslexic brain, it is simply wired differently. With specialized instruction that is catered to a brain that likes to work a bit differently, a person with dyslexia can strengthen certain neuro-pathways that otherwise would make it harder for them to process language. |  |
Dyslexia is a neurobiological processing difference in the brain. It affects the language-processing areas of the brain, particularly, the phonological component of language. There are varying degrees to which an individual may experience symptoms and demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia which can make dyslexia more difficult to recognize.
No one is quite sure what causes dyslexia, but much research is taking place and expanding our understanding. Most experts think dyslexia is a result of atypical neurological development in the language and learning part of the brain. There is evidence that dyslexia can be genetic as up to 40% of people with dyslexia have a first-degree relative who also had difficulty learning to read.
Dyslexia is not…
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- difficulty with hearing or eyesight as people with dyslexia receive correct information through the ears and eyes, but the brain does not translate this information correctly;
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- related to intelligence as most people with dyslexia are average to above-average intellectually and often excel in non-language areas;
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- caused by emotional difficulties although having dyslexia can be discouraging and frustrating, especially when it is not adequately addressed;
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- limited to one cultural group as dyslexia is found in all cultures.
Roughly 1 in 5 people have dyslexia.
There is much discussion and criticism of how the number of people with dyslexia is determined.
Below are some scientific articles leading the discussion on the prevalence of dyslexia