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Dyslexia
Introduction
- What
are
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 phonological
processing (the manipulation of sounds) and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.
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, producing 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 NINDS and other institutes of the National
Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development and the National Institute of Mental Health, conduct research on
dyslexia. 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.
This
information is available courtesy of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke. It is in the public domain and can be downloaded, reproduced,
or copied without permission. For more information go to
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm
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