Dyslexia

Progress:

What is dyslexia and what causes it?

The cause of dyslexia has not been fully established, but the effect is to create neurological anomalies in the brain which bring about varying degrees of difficulty in learning when using words, and sometimes symbols. These anomalies can either be acquired (acquired dyslexia) by early ear infections which cause temporary hearing problems, or through congenital and developmental traits (developmental dyslexia).

According to The Dyslexia Association in Australia, Australia has not yet adopted an official definition of Dyslexia and it is unknown how many people with lower literacy skills have dyslexia. However, it is estimated that 15 percent of Americans and 8 percent of the UK population have the condition, making it likely that many Australians have the condition as well.

Common understandings of dyslexia include:
  • Dyslexia literally means 'trouble with words'.
  • The Oxford English Dictionary defines dyslexia as a disorder involving difficulty in learning to read words, letters and other symbols.
  • Dyslexia Australia's Definition: Dyslexia is the capacity to process information differently, enabling innovative thought and perception. It is characterised by a visual and experiential learning style. Methods using this learning style allow dyslexic people to realise their capabilities and minimise the negative impact commonly developed by conventional methods.
  • The Dyslexic Association: Dyslexia is a type of learning style and is independent of intellectual abilities. It does not respond to the conventional evidenced based methods of teaching reading. Dyslexia is a visual learning style that is resistant to phonics based reading.
  • British Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Difficulties (or SpLDs) which affects the way information is learned and processed. They are neurological (rather than psychological), usually run in families and occur independently of intelligence. They can have significant impact on education and learning and on the acquisition of literacy skills.

Dyslexia is a complex disorder, and there still much that is not understood about it. However, many researchers have attempted experiments that highlight the strengths and weakness of students with dyslexia. For example, whilst dyslexic students are often disadvantaged in reading abilities, scientists have produced a growing body of evidence that people with the condition have sharper peripheral vision than others.

Next: How can you detect someone who has dyslexia?