"WHAT CAUSES DYSLEXIA?"
Dyslexia is often inherited. It is estimated that 25 to 50% of students with dyslexia have a parent or sibling with dyslexia. Having a sibling with dyslexia increases the chances of another child having dyslexia. Often a parent has never been diagnosed with dyslexia, but, when the child is diagnosed, recognizes these symptoms in him/herself.
Current research indicates that dyslexia is "neurological in origin;" that is, the problem originates in the brain. Research using MRIs indicates that there is nothing wrong with the brain of a dyslexic reader; the brain of the dyslexic reader has developed and functions differently than other brains. Because of the differences in neural pathways, the brain of a dyslexic person is overactive in some areas and underactive in other parts. Therefore, information travels inefficiently from one part of the brain to another.
There is good news from this research: studies indicate that with appropriate instruction that is based on multisensory concepts the neural pathways that promote efficient reading can be strengthened.
More excellent information is available in the following publications:
Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
Basic Facts About Dyslexia and Other Reading Problems, Louisa Cook Moats and Karen E. Dakin
"Dyslexia and the Brain," IDA Fact Sheet
Current research indicates that dyslexia is "neurological in origin;" that is, the problem originates in the brain. Research using MRIs indicates that there is nothing wrong with the brain of a dyslexic reader; the brain of the dyslexic reader has developed and functions differently than other brains. Because of the differences in neural pathways, the brain of a dyslexic person is overactive in some areas and underactive in other parts. Therefore, information travels inefficiently from one part of the brain to another.
There is good news from this research: studies indicate that with appropriate instruction that is based on multisensory concepts the neural pathways that promote efficient reading can be strengthened.
More excellent information is available in the following publications:
Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
Basic Facts About Dyslexia and Other Reading Problems, Louisa Cook Moats and Karen E. Dakin
"Dyslexia and the Brain," IDA Fact Sheet