Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. Also called specific reading disability, dyslexia is a common learning disability in children. Dyslexia occurs in children with normal vision and intelligence. Sometimes dyslexia goes undiagnosed for years and isn't recognized until adulthood.

There's no known way to correct the underlying brain abnormality that causes dyslexia — dyslexia is a lifelong problem. However, early detection and evaluation to determine specific needs and appropriate treatment can improve success. Educational techniques Dyslexia is treated using specific educational approaches and techniques, and the sooner the intervention begins, the better. Psychological testing will help child's teachers develop a suitable teaching program. Teachers may use techniques involving hearing, vision and touch to improve reading skills. Helping a child use several senses to learn — for example, listening to a taped lesson and tracing with a finger the shape of the letters used and the words spoken — can help him or her process the information. If available, tutoring sessions with a reading specialist can be very helpful for many children with dyslexia. A reading specialist will focus on helping child: Learn to recognize the smallest sounds that make up words (phonemes) Understand that letters and strings of letters represent these sounds Comprehend what he or she is reading Read aloud Build a vocabulary If child has a severe reading disability, tutoring may need to occur more frequently, and progress may be slower.