Dyslexia Not Caused By Poor Vision
Many times I am asked to evaluate a child who has difficulty reading and writing. I am told that the child "mixes up the words" or writes letters backwards. Ultimately, in the course of the exam, mom or dad asks, "do you think my child has dyslexia?"
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of dyslexia is not always easy to make. Dyslexia is a type of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) characterized by reading difficulties, despite normal intelligence, socioeconomic status and conventional instruction. Dyslexia, which often runs in families, is seen in males 5 - 10 times more than females. Although poor vision is often blamed when reading problems are encountered, dyslexia is not caused by the eyes but rather the brain's inability to correctly interpret the images received by the eyes.
The following signs may be indicative of a child with an SLD:
* Failure to achieve an average reading level despite average IQ and adequate instruction.
* Language or speech problems such as poor pronunciation, using the wrong words or difficulty expressing thoughts.
* Poor handwriting or slow writing speed.
* Short attention span.
* Frustration with school work.
* A family history of speech and learning problems.
Although the exact cause for an SLD such as dyslexia is unknown, it is likely that a delay in development of certain regions of the brain may be responsible. Since the eye simply presents the brain with visual information, this information is meaningless until the brain processes and interprets it. Interpretation leads to meaning. This is a complex process that relates visual information to past experiences and known facts. An SLD is a defect in these thought processes. The eye itself does not reverse letters or mix up the words -- the brain does.
Children who do have dyslexia have a no greater incidence of eye problems than their non-dyslexic peers. Nevertheless, it is the ophthalmologist who is usually called upon to initially evaluate these children. Thus, it is very important that a thorough eye exam be performed to rule out any treatable ocular problem. If dyslexia is suspected, than an evaluation by a learning disabilities specialist is appropriate. Usually the evaluation and treatment of a dyslexic child is handled through the child's school.
There is no "quick fix" for the dyslexic child. Special learning programs along with emotional support and understanding can help the child overcome an SLD handicap. Visual training, eye muscle exercises or hand/eye coordination exercises have not been shown to be helpful in treating dyslexia.
Thomas Edison, Nelson Rockefeller and Albert Einstein all had learning disabilities as children. All dyslexic children have the potential for the same level of achievement.
