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WHAT IS DYSLEXIA


This term dyslexia refers to a brain-based type of learning disability that is characterized by difficulty with learning to read in individuals with normal intelligence.

This condition is described in legislation as a learning disability a term used exclusively in the field of education. Other professions not limited by legislation are free to use the term dyslexia. However, both terms are often utilized in the same professional documentation.

Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with the condition include difficulty with spelling, sounding out words, and reading aloud.

In adults, the problems usually become evident after a brain injury or in the context of dementia. In children it usually occurs as a result of environmental influences after birth. It can also be inherited in some families, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing the condition.

Aspects of Treatment

The main focus of treatment should be on the specific learning problems of affected individuals. In the schools, the usual course is to modify teaching methods and the educational environment to meet the specific needs of the individual.

While there are many theories about successful treatment there is no actual cure for it. There are, however, many techniques for helping the child to reach a normal level of development. And there are many methods for identifying the environmental influences that contribute to a lack of normal development.

Perhaps the most important aspect of any treatment plan is attitude. If the parents avoid tendency to label their child, and see their child as having the potential to overcome, the child will be influenced by the positive attitude of their parents. As a consequence, problems with self-esteem, depression and other emotional concerns that usually accompany learning disabilities will become less of a problem.

The next step is to carefully observe and identify the presence of food allergies, orchemicals, dust, mold, lack of exercise, and a lack of sleep all of which will interfere with the developing functions of the brain.

What is the Prognosis?

For those with evident symptoms, 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 those individuals who are identified early. Those who have supportive family and friends and a strong self-image, and who are involved in a proper remediation program also have a good prognosis.

The prognosis is best for milder developmental disabilities caused by environmental influences which have interfered with the development of the child’s brain and central nervous system.

It will take some careful observation and evaluation to determine the specific environmental factors that are involved, but once identified these deterrents can be removed from the environment and, in many cases, the child is assisted toward normal development.

Current research avenues continue to focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The search for the answer to the question "what is dyslexia" is the topic of continuous, well funded research.

If you are an adult who has dyslexia and are looking for information, interventions and literacy help, www.beatingdyslexia.com is highly recommended.

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