Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly impacts reading and writing abilities, but it can also affect other areas. It primarily involves challenges with processing information, which can make it difficult for individuals to retain and understand what they see and hear. This can influence learning and literacy development, as well as organizational skills.

Despite its challenges, dyslexia also brings strengths. Many individuals with dyslexia excel in areas like reasoning, creativity, and visual thinking.

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Delphi Definition of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties in processing information, impacting the ability to read and spell. Individuals with dyslexia may show weak literacy skills compared to their age, educational background, and other abilities. Reading fluency and spelling challenges are common markers across all languages.

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The severity of dyslexia varies, and its development is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It can also affect skills like math, reading comprehension, or learning foreign languages. Phonological processing difficulties, including phonological awareness, processing speed, and memory, are frequently observed, although other cognitive factors like working memory, processing speed, and orthographic skills also contribute.

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Dyslexia often coexists with other developmental challenges, including developmental language disorder, ADHD, dyscalculia, and developmental coordination disorder.

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Consensus on Dyslexia Definition

A Delphi study sought to reach a consensus on dyslexia by gathering input from experts to reduce confusion around its definition. The findings, published in leading journals, align with previous definitions such as the Rose (2009) definition, confirming that individuals diagnosed under previous criteria would still qualify under the new guidelines.

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurological difference that can significantly affect education, work, and daily life. As it is a lifelong condition, its impact can range from mild to severe. Every individual experiences dyslexia uniquely, with a mix of strengths and difficulties. Early identification and support can greatly benefit individuals, helping them build confidence and succeed.

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Signs of Dyslexia

While dyslexia is commonly associated with reading and writing difficulties, it can also affect coordination, organization, and memory. Recognizing these broader challenges can aid in early identification.

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Early Years (Preschool)

• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes

• Delayed speech development

• Difficulty remembering names and sequences

• Poor auditory discrimination

• Trouble following multi-step instructions

• Substituting words (e.g., "lampshade" for "lamppost")

• Difficulty learning the alphabet or recognizing letters

• Poor motor skills and coordination

• Struggles to retain simple routines or sequences

• Family history of dyslexia or other learning difficulties

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Primary School Age

• Slow progress in reading and writing

• Poor handwriting and letter formation

• Difficulty remembering spelling patterns

• Trouble following instructions or understanding directions

• Difficulty with phonics and blending sounds

• Spells the same word inconsistently

• Low reading fluency and comprehension

• Poor organizational skills

• Struggles to retain days of the week, months, or sequences

• Mispronounces words or struggles with phonics

• Avoidance of reading and writing tasks

• Poor time management

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Secondary School Age

• Struggles with reading comprehension

• Slow reading and frequent word omissions or substitutions

• Poor essay structure and written expression

• Difficulty summarizing or extracting key points from texts

• Inconsistent spelling and grammar use

• Trouble with note-taking and task completion

• Challenges in foreign language learning

• Difficulty organizing study materials and schedules

• Poor time management and missing deadlines

• Low self-esteem and frustration related to academic tasks

• Tires easily due to the extra effort required for reading and writing

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Early screening for dyslexia is crucial because it allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve a child's reading, writing, and learning outcomes. Here are some key reasons why early screening is important:

1. Early intervention enables educators and specialists to provide targeted support and evidence-based interventions, improving reading skills and reducing frustration.

2. Early support can prevent a child from falling behind in their academic progress. With appropriate instruction, they can build a strong foundation in literacy.

3. Struggling with reading without understanding why can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Early diagnosis provides clarity and support, fostering confidence and emotional well-being.

4. Schools can implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to provide accommodations such as extended time on tests, assistive technology, and specialized instruction.

5. Without intervention, dyslexia can lead to persistent academic difficulties, impacting career opportunities and daily functioning. Early support can minimize these long-term effects.

6. Early identification encourages collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Overall, early screening for dyslexia empowers children to overcome challenges, reach their full potential, and thrive both academically and personally.

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Neurologically, dyslexia is associated with differences in how the brain processes language. It is not related to intelligence but rather to how the brain interprets and connects letters, sounds, and words.

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What typically happens in the brain of a person with dyslexia:

1. Reduced activity in the left hemisphere. The left side of the brain contains regions responsible for language processing, including the occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. In people with dyslexia, these areas often show less activation when reading or processing language.

2. Inefficient communication between brain regions. The pathways that connect language centers, like the arcuate fasciculus, may function less efficiently. This can affect phonological processing, making it harder to break down words into individual sounds.

3. Difficulty with phonological awareness. Phonological processing is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words. Dyslexic individuals often struggle with this, which makes decoding words and spelling more challenging.

4. Over-reliance on other brain areas. Some studies suggest that individuals with dyslexia compensate by using areas in the right hemisphere or different pathways to read, which can be less efficient and slower.

5. Visual and auditory processing differences. Dyslexia may also involve difficulties in visual processing (recognizing words and letters) and auditory processing (distinguishing similar sounds

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Despite these challenges, the brain has neuroplasticity, meaning it can adapt and build new pathways through targeted interventions and structured literacy programs. Early support and specialized teaching methods can significantly improve reading and writing abilities.

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• British Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Understanding Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

• International Dyslexia Association. (2024). Dyslexia Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.dyslexiaida.org

• Rose, J. (2009). Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties.

• Snowling, M. J., & Hulme, C. (2021). Developmental Dyslexia: Disorder or Dimensional? Annual Review of Psychology, 72, 12-34.​​​​​​​​​​