health

Dyslexia is not a single condition but rather a cluster of symptoms related
to reading difficulties and other language skills. Children with dyslexia
usually have problems pronouncing words and spelling them correctly
as well as difficulties with writing words and sentences. Most people with
dyslexia have trouble identifying the separate speech sounds within a
word or learning how letters represent those sounds. This particular language
skill is known as decoding. Although there is a popular belief that
dyslexia is a visual problem that involves reading letters or words backward
or upside down, this belief is not true. Reversals of letters or words
are also not a defining characteristic of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is not associated with mental retardation; it can affect children
at all levels of intelligence. Most children with dyslexia are of
normal intelligence; some are highly gifted, and many excel in fields that
do not require high-level language skills, including the visual arts, computer
science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics,
dance, and athletic competition.
Dyslexia does not affect all children equally. Some children diagnosed
with the condition are able to master the basics of reading and
spelling, particularly if they have competent and dedicated teachers. They
may, however, run into difficulty when they reach the upper grades and
are confronted with the need for more complex language skills that
include a knowledge of grammar, the ability to read and remember textbook
material, and the ability to write longer compositions.
Some children with dyslexia have problems with understanding spoken
language even though they have teachers and parents with good spoken language
skills. These children may have trouble expressing themselves or may
misunderstand what others say. Problems with spoken language place this
group of dyslexics at a severe disadvantage not only in school and later on
in the workplace but also in their relationships with other people.