Dyslexia Overview
Experts warn that Dyslexia is not identified through non-phonetic assessment methods such behavioural optometry or audiology.
People talk about reading difficulties in different ways. Here are some terms you may have heard:
- Dyslexia
- Reading Disorder
- Specific Reading Disability
- Specific Learning Disability in Basic Reading Skills
- Specific Reading Fluency/Rate Disability
- Developmental Dyslexia
- Developmental Learning Disorder - With impairment in reading
- Specific Learning Disorder - With impairment in reading
So what exactly is Dyslexia?
- It is a specific problem in the development of word reading and spelling skills
- It affects the development of automaticity with sound-symbol connections
- It has both a neurobiological and genetic basis
- It is often accompanied by specific weaknesses in cognitive factors that predict poor reading and spelling
- It is the most common Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)
Does Dyslexia occur on its own?
- 25 to 40% of individuals with ADHD also meet the criteria for Dyslexia
- 15 to 35% of individuals with Dyslexia also meet the criteria for ADHD
- Up to 50% of individuals with Dyslexia also meet the criteria for Developmental Language Disorder
Sources:
Willcutt, E. G., Pennington, B. F., & DeFries, J. C. (2000). Twin study of the etiology of comorbidity between reading disability and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics (Neuropsychiatric Genetics), 96, 293– 301.
Willcutt, E. G., Pennington, B. F., & DeFries, J. C. (2000). Twin study of the etiology of comorbidity between reading disability and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics (Neuropsychiatric Genetics), 96, 293– 301.
