What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically
impairs a person's ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels
significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although
the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people
with dyslexia are difficulty with spelling, phonological processing (the
manipulation of sounds), and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. In adults,
dyslexia usually occurs after a brain injury or in the context of dementia. It
can also be inherited in some families, and recent studies have identified a
number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia.
Is there any treatment?
The main focus of treatment should be on the specific learning problems of
affected individuals. The usual course is to modify teaching methods and the
educational environment to meet the specific needs of the individual with
dyslexia.
What is the prognosis?
For those with dyslexia, the prognosis is mixed. The disability affects such
a wide range of people and produces such different symptoms and varying degrees
of severity that predictions are hard to make. The prognosis is generally good,
however, for individuals whose dyslexia is identified early, who have supportive
family and friends and a strong self-image, and who are involved in a proper
remediation program.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other
institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support dyslexia research
through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Current
research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat dyslexia
and other learning disabilities, increasing the understanding of the biological
basis of learning disabilities, and exploring the relationship between
neurophysiological processes and cognitive functions with regard to reading
ability.
Organizations
International Dyslexia Association
40 York Road, 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21204
info@interdys.org
www.interdys.org
Tel: 410.296.0232 800.ABCD123
Fax: 410.321.5069
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road, Suite 1
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
info@ldaamerica.org
www.ldaamerica.org
Tel: 412.341.1515
Fax: 412.344.0224
National Center for Learning Disabilities
381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10016
www.ld.org
Tel: 212.545.7510 888.575.7373
Fax: 212.545.9665
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 301.496.5133
Fax: 301.496.7101
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301.443.4513/866.415.8051 301.443.8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301.443.4279
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/12/2009...#6005
