Understanding Dyslexia - Common But Often Misunderstood Condition

There exists many medical conditions, that, although they are incredibly significant, are not given the awareness and attention that they deserve. Although many of these such conditions can be pointed out, perhaps one of the most common and most often misunderstood is dyslexia. Dyslexia affects millions of people around the world, but despite these numbers, many often misunderstand dyslexia, and few give in the time and attention to finding out what the condition is, the symptoms that occur from it, and how one could hope to treat it.

Of course, perhaps some background information on dyslexia is necessary before jumping into a full discussion of it. Many are familiar with the problem that dyslexia can give a person with regards to reading, however, there are many more symptoms and effects than the simple inability to read certain words properly. It is very true that dyslexia can affect a person's reading ability, but it can also have a marked effect on the speech, writing capabilities, and spelling. It is very important to remember that dyslexia conditions do not fall under a single umbrella, and they affect different areas or skills in different people.

Many often pronounce dyslexia as a simple problem of the Western world, while the truth is that it can affect anyone, regardless of any other factor. Dyslexia results when certain areas of the brain do function properly, or quite work together in the way in which they should. It is therefore important to understand that no single race or gender is more prone to dyslexia than any other, it is a problem that is encountered throughout the world. It is true that dyslexia is often diagnosed during childhood, but it is also important to remember that many do not realize they have an actual problem until adulthood. This, of course, comes down to one simple fact, the idea that dyslexia is not always recognized, and that many are capable of overcoming the disorder, or finding ways to work around it. Dyslexia is often widely misunderstood, and perhaps one of the strongest rumors surrounding it is that it affects intelligence or other mental factors.

The reality of course, is that dyslexia has absolutely no bearing on mental function whatsoever. Dyslexia has absolutely nothing to do with overall intelligence, and many who suffer from it are capable of leading perfectly normal lives, thus one of the reasons why it is sometimes never diagnosed, or at least not recognized until a person enters the adult stage of his or her life. It is important to remember that no one is quite sure why dyslexia occurs or what causes it to pass from one generation to the next. Dyslexia is not a genetic disease, although there is a chance that it can be passed from the parent to the child, although it is not common and not understood to be a common occurrence.

In addition to understanding that dyslexia can have a variety of effects including comprehension of math and other factors, that not every problem associated with difficulty to read or write can be considered dyslexia. Too often, we tend to lump all problems with reading comprehension or trouble writing under the general umbrella of dyslexia. Only a doctor can properly diagnose dyslexia, and there are a specific series of tests that are capable of diagnosing the illness and revealing the severity of the problem.

There is no simple cure for dyslexia, and, in fact, the disorder cannot simply just be done away with. However, there are treatment options and techniques, and many people who are afflicted with dyslexia are able to live completely normal lives and can function completely normally. Dyslexia is not a crippling disability, but rather a difficulty that must be overcome.

Regardless of whether or not a loved one or friend has dyslexia, it is very important to understand the nature of such a prevalent disease, and to shed some light on the rumors that have shrouded it with so many falsehoods. It only takes a couple minutes to come to understand dyslexia and the effects that it can have on a person, but taking that couple minutes can make an incredible difference.

- October 03, 2007 by
John Galt
www.AssociatedContent.com

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