Dyslexia, A Learning Difficulty: An In-Depth Overview

Published on 4 March 2025 at 13:00

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects children's reading, writing, and spelling skills. It impacts how the brain processes language but doesn't affect intelligence. This blog will explore dyslexia, its indicators, causes, and what makes it a learning difficulty. We will also discuss an effective solution to help children with this learning difference attain literacy.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difficulty characterised by a cluster of indicators that result in problems with specific language skills, particularly reading. People with dyslexia often struggle with other language skills, such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. People consider dyslexia a learning difficulty because it can make academic success challenging in typical instructional environments and often requires special education, accommodations, or support services. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

How Common Is Dyslexia?

On an estimate, 1 in 10 people have some degree of dyslexia in the UK. It is estimated to affect about 7% of people worldwide, but including people with milder symptoms may affect up to 20%.

Common Indicators of Dyslexia.

The signs and symptoms of dyslexia can vary from person to person since it exists on a continuum. However, some common indicators could be:

Problems learning the names and sounds of letters
Slow, hesitant, and laboured reading due to trouble sounding out new words
Omitting, skipping, or adding words when reading
Unpredictable and inconsistent spelling
Confusing letters that look similar
Taking longer to write and producing less than others
Poor handwriting with badly formed letters
Difficulties with learning sequences, such as the alphabet or days of the week
Poor personal organisation
Difficulty remembering instructions or directions
Delayed speech development
Poor language expression
Complaining of dizziness, headaches, or stomach aches while reading
Avoiding reading whenever possible due to difficulty in reading
Confusion with math symbols and difficulty remembering times tables

What Causes Dyslexia?

The exact trigger of dyslexia is complex and not fully understood, but it is generally accepted that a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors contribute to its development. Below, we have discussed in detail each of these factors:

Genetics: Dyslexia has a strong hereditary component. One of the most significant risk factors is a family history of dyslexia. If one parent has dyslexia, a child has a 50% to 60% chance of developing it. Twin studies indicate that genetic factors account for 40% to 80% of the inherited factors involved in the development of dyslexia.
Research has identified multiple genes associated with dyslexia, including KIAA0319, which are strongly associated with chromosome 6 in individuals with the condition. A genome-wide association study identified 42 independent, significant loci, 15 of which are genes linked to cognitive ability or educational attainment and 27 that are new and potentially more specific to dyslexia. These genetic variations account for 20% to 25% of dyslexia susceptibility.
Brain Differences: Individuals with dyslexia often have different brain structure and function. These differences can affect how the brain processes language, particularly in areas responsible for phonological awareness, reading fluency, and orthographic coding.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of dyslexia. These include:

Toxic Exposures: Exposure to air and water pollution, especially heavy metals like lead and manganese, nicotine, and flame retardants, can increase the risk of dyslexia.
Access to Reading Materials: Children who grow up in homes where reading is not encouraged or where reading materials are scarce are at a higher risk of developing dyslexia.
Learning Environment Limitations: Limited access to learning support in school or similar environments can also increase the likelihood of dyslexia.

How Is Dyslexia a Learning Difficulty?

Specialists consider dyslexia a learning difficulty as it presents challenges in how the brain processes written language. This can manifest in several ways:

Phonological Processing

Dyslexia may stem from challenges with the phonological component of language, impacting accurate and fluent word recognition and spelling. Children with dyslexia may struggle with identifying, remembering, and manipulating the sounds within words.

Reading Fluency

Difficulties in decoding written language can lead to slowed reading speed and reduced reading comprehension. This can affect academic performance and may limit vocabulary growth.

Spelling and Writing

Dyslexia may cause difficulties in spelling and writing due to differences in phonological awareness and orthographic coding, which can impact written expression and communication.

Memory and Sequencing

People with dyslexia may also struggle with verbal memory and sequencing, making remembering information or following multi-step directions difficult.

How Can Music Help a Child With Dyslexia Attain Literacy?

Music can be a valuable tool in helping dyslexic children improve their literacy skills. Music and language share cognitive processes, and musical training can enhance phonological awareness, a crucial skill for reading. Here’s how music can help cope with dyslexia-related learning difficulty:

Phonological Awareness: Musical activities, such as rhythm exercises, singing, and playing instruments, can improve a child's ability to hear and manipulate word sounds.

Memory and Sequencing: Learning songs and musical patterns can strengthen memory and sequencing skills, essential for reading comprehension and following instructions.

Multisensory Learning: Music provides a multisensory learning experience, engaging auditory, visual, and kinesthetic senses. This can make learning more engaging and effective for children with dyslexia.

Emotional Expression: Music can provide a creative outlet for emotional expression, reducing frustration and boosting confidence in dyslexic children.

Conclusion

Dyslexia primarily manifests as a reading, writing, and spelling challenge. However, with the proper support, individuals with dyslexia can overcome these challenges and achieve their full potential. Remember, though people consider dyslexia a learning difficulty, it doesn’t mean dyslexic individuals are less intelligent. They just need a different approach to learning that the conventional education system fails to address.

How We Can Help You at Music Dyslexia

If you or someone you know may have dyslexia, we can help you get an accurate assessment. Here at Music Dyslexia, we also offer music tuition for dyslexia that can help children attain literacy. Our approach involves a multisensory learning experience incorporating music to help children improve their reading, writing, and self-expression.