Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read, write and understand written language. It is important to understand that dyslexia is not related to a person's intelligence, but rather it is a specific difficulty in processing information related to reading. In this article, we will explore the different types of dyslexia, its symptoms and possible causes.
Types of dyslexia
Phonological dyslexia
Phonological dyslexia, also known as phonemic dyslexia, is one of the most common types of dyslexia. People with this type of dyslexia have difficulty recognizing letter sounds and combining them to form words. This can make it difficult to read fluently and understand written texts.
Surface dyslexia
Surface dyslexia is characterized by difficulties in identifying familiar and common words. People with this type of dyslexia may have trouble recognizing nonsense words, such as "dolofin" instead of "dolphin", despite understanding the meaning of the word. This can make it difficult to read accurately and fluently.
Mixed dyslexia
Mixed dyslexia combines features of phonological dyslexia and surface dyslexia. People with mixed dyslexia may have difficulty both recognizing individual sounds and identifying whole words. This can affect reading in general, as well as understanding written text.
Symptoms of dyslexia
Symptoms of dyslexia can vary from person to person, and may manifest differently depending on the type of dyslexia you have. Some of the common symptoms of dyslexia include:
- Difficulties identifying letters and sounds.
- Problems remembering common words.
- Slow reading and hesitant.
- Difficulties in understanding the meaning of what is read.
- Inversion of letters or words when writing.
- Difficulties in organizing ideas in writing.
Causes of dyslexia
Genetic factors
It has been shown that dyslexia has a genetic component, meaning it can be inherited from parents to children. Studies have identified several genes that may be related to dyslexia, affecting areas of the brain involved in language processing and reading.
Differences in brain structure
Research have shown that people with dyslexia may have differences in the structure and functioning of certain areas of the brain related to reading. These differences can hinder the ability to process the visual and auditory information necessary for reading and writing.
Environmental factors
In addition to genetic factors, it has been suggested that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins during fetal development or problems during childbirth, can increase the risk of developing dyslexia. However, more research is needed to fully understand the influence of these factors.
In summary, dyslexia is a learning disorder that can manifest itself in different forms, such as phonological, surface or mixed dyslexia. Symptoms of dyslexia include difficulties in reading, writing, and understanding written language. While the exact causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, genetic factors, differences in brain structure, and environmental factors may play a role in its development.