Dyslexia

A reading disability characterized by difficulty in coping with written symbols. It is more common in males, and evidence suggests that a specific, sometimes inherited, neurological disorder underlies true dyslexia. A child with dyslexia has normal intelligence. Thus, his or her attainment of reading skills lags far behind other scholastic abilities. While many young children tend to reverse letters and words (for example, writing or reading p for q or was for saw), most soon correct such errors. Dyslexic children continue to confuse these symbols. Letters are transposed (as in pest for step) and spelling errors are common. These children may even be unable to read words that they can spell correctly. It is important to recognize the problem early to avoid any added frustrations. Specific remedial teaching can help the child develop “tricks” to overcome the deficit. Avoidance of pressure from parents combined with praise for what the child can do is equally important.