Dyslexi

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and spelling, often linked to deficits in the phonological component of language. It is not a reflection of overall intelligence and is not caused by poor instruction alone; with timely, evidence-based support, many individuals improve their reading skills.

Common signs include trouble recognizing familiar words, decoding unfamiliar ones, spelling accurately, and reading with sufficient speed and accuracy. Children may have difficulty rhyming, segmenting sounds, or learning letter-sound correspondences. Symptoms vary and can become less apparent as strategies are learned.

Dyslexia has a neurobiological basis and tends to run in families. Brain differences are commonly found in the left hemisphere's language networks. Environmental factors such as literacy exposure influence outcomes but do not cause the condition. Estimates of prevalence vary, but dyslexia is commonly described as affecting about 5–10% of people, depending on definitions used.

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by educational or clinical professionals, including tests of reading, spelling, phonological processing, and sometimes intellectual ability. Modern practice emphasizes identifying the profile of strengths and weaknesses rather than relying on a strict IQ–achievement discrepancy.

Management combines structured literacy instruction with accommodations and supports. Evidence-based interventions emphasize explicit, systematic phonics, phonemic awareness, and multisensory teaching, typically tailored to the learner's needs and delivered with sufficient intensity. Helpful accommodations include extra time, text-to-speech tools, audiobooks, and assistive technology.

With early identification and ongoing support, individuals with dyslexia can develop reading skills and achieve success in education and work, often leveraging strengths in areas such as problem solving, creativity, and verbal communication.