​Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning disability. It may cause a child to have difficulties with reading, writing spelling and a number of other symptoms. Words and letters often appear to be ‘jumbled’ or ‘backwards’, even though dyslexia does not impact on vision, hearing or intelligence.

It is usually diagnosed at a young age, is a lifelong disability and can differ in degree (from mild to severe). If the disability remains undiagnosed, it often results in frustration at school, low self-esteem or even depression. Therefore the outcome of treatment is thought to be more favourable if the disability is diagnosed at a young age.

However, sometimes dyslexia goes undiagnosed at childhood and is only realized at a later stage in life. Yet it is never too late to acquire techniques to improve learning and coping skills if you have been diagnosed with dyslexia relatively later than usual.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia does not necessarily mean that ability to learn is below average. Conversely many people that are diagnosed with dyslexia are very intelligent. However, dyslexia may compromise learning as it impacts reading and writing skills to varying degrees.

Currently, there is no definite known cause of dyslexia. However, the disability is often found to run in families. Thus it is possible that there is a genetic component to dyslexia, which may be passed on from parents to their children.

There currently is no cure for dyslexia. However, most people with dyslexia are able to cope and manage their symptoms effectively, despite the difficulties that go along with the disability. With specialized educational programs, tutoring, emotional and occupational support, many dyslexic individuals are able to lead happy and successful lives.

When to seek expert advice

If your child exhibits symptoms that are similar to those of dyslexia, it is not always necessary that they have a learning disability. For instance, many children under the age of seven tend to reverse their letters. However, if your child shows a number of persistent signs of trouble with reading and writing, and there is a history of dyslexia in your family, you should have your child visit a specialist working with the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital, to see if they have a learning disability.

If you are older and feel like you recognize some of the symptoms of dyslexia, you may wish to visit a specialist working with the Section of Neurology who will give you advice and guidance about diagnosis and treatment.