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What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes reading and language-related tasks harder. It happens because of disruptions in how your brain processes writing so you can understand it. Most people learn they have dyslexia during childhood, and it’s typically a lifelong issue. This form of dyslexia is also known as “developmental dyslexia.” 

Dyslexia falls under the umbrella of “specific learning disorder.” That disorder has three main subtypes: 

How dyslexia affects language understanding

Reading starts with spoken language. In early childhood, speaking starts with making simple sounds. As you learn more sounds, you also learn how to use sounds to form words, phrases and sentences. Learning to read involves connecting sounds to different written symbols (letters). 

This is where dyslexia enters the picture. It interferes with how your brain uses spoken language to “decode” writing. Your brain has trouble processing what you read, especially breaking words into sounds or relating letters to sounds when reading. 

That slowdown in processing can affect everything that follows. That includes: 

  • Slowed reading because you have trouble processing and understanding words. 
  • Difficulties with writing and spelling. 
  • Problems with how you store words and their meanings in your memory.
  • Trouble forming sentences to communicate more complex ideas. 

How common is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is uncommon overall but widespread enough to be well-known. Experts estimate it affects about 7% of people worldwide. It affects people equally regardless of sex and race.

However, many people have symptoms that aren’t severe enough for diagnosis. Including people with symptoms but without a diagnosis, dyslexia may affect up to 20% of people worldwide.