Dyslexia

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that results in difficulty reading. It is caused by neurobiological factors. Dyslexic individuals may feel that they are not intelligent. This is far from the truth, because the condition of dyslexia has nothing at all to do with intelligence.

One very important thing to realize is that the human brain is not genetically hard-wired to be able to read. Written language was invented by humans, so humans had to adapt their brains to learn how to “crack” an invented written code.

Our code is known as the alphabet. It allows us to use letters to represent sounds in order to codify the words that we speak into a form that can be written down for the purpose of being read by someone else. It is no surprise that not every brain has a natural ability to do this!

So, variation in the wiring of the brain causes dyslexia.

We know this thanks to the fairly new technology that allows brain imaging, which has given researchers new information about how a dyslexic brain works.

In non-dyslexic individuals, specific portions in the middle and back of the brain “fire” at different times, depending on what the brain is doing. Some of these parts are used when we hear language, while others are used when we see it in written form. The ability to use these parts together at the proper times is trained and strengthened as we learn to read.

Reading can be difficult for individuals whose brains do not work in the above manner. And when reading is difficult, it is hard to be successful at school or work.

Knowing you are dyslexic – or learning late in life…

Reading difficulty can cause a person to feel stupid or incapable, but this is not the case. If you are dyslexic but have never been given that diagnosis (or if you received this diagnosis late in life), you may have spent years believing that you could not be successful or that you were not intelligent.

Some research suggests that as many as one in five people have a form of dyslexia. It is hard to know the actual number of people with dyslexia, because not all dyslexic people are aware of their condition. However, we know that dyslexia is very common! We also know from research that dyslexia does not go away.

We can help you manage dyslexia!

There is good news. Dyslexia can be managed, and you can learn skills to help you overcome the struggles that reading difficulty can cause.

While it is ideal to get help as early as possible, it is never too late to act. If you are a dyslexic adult with a new diagnosis or if you suspect that you may be dyslexic, you should take action.

Dr. Sally Shaywitz, an important researcher and authority on dyslexia, says, “Although no one is ever cured of dyslexia, highly intelligent, exceptionally hardworking, and strongly motivated young men and women with dyslexia can attend and successfully complete their education.”

If you are an adult with dyslexia or reading difficulties, we can help you by teaching you scientifically developed and evidenced-based practices that will help you become a better reader. Becoming a better reader, in turn, will help you be better able to complete the tasks you need to be successful at school or at your job.

While dyslexia presents many challenges, we know from research and experience that dyslexic individuals have many strengths as well. When you become a better reader, you will be able to take fuller advantage of these strengths.

Dyslexia need not control you.

Let us help you take control of your learning and success today so that you can feel confident in all areas of your life.

Call (646) 236-8343 or complete the contact form below.