Outline of dyslexia

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Dyslexia, sometimes called word blindness, is a common learning difference that mainly affects reading and writing. People with dyslexia may have trouble spelling, reading quickly, sounding out words, pronouncing words when reading aloud, and understanding what they read. These difficulties are not a sign of laziness, and many people with dyslexia want to learn.

Dyslexia often comes with other challenges, such as ADHD, language development problems, and math difficulties. It can run in families, suggesting a genetic link, and environmental factors may also play a role. If dyslexia develops after brain injury or illness, it is called acquired dyslexia (alexia).

The most accepted idea is that the brain processes language a little differently in dyslexia. It is diagnosed with tests that look at memory, vision, spelling, and reading skills. Dyslexia is different from reading problems caused by hearing or vision issues or by poor teaching or lack of opportunity to learn.

Researchers continue to study dyslexia to better understand it and to find effective ways to help people who have it.