So, What is Dyslexia Anyway?
Dyslexia is a widely known term that most people have heard of. In fact, it is so common that you likely have many friends and/or family members who are Dyslexic. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population is affected by this frustrating impairment in reading. But, what exactly is it? The fundamental definition is simply a difference in the way that the brain processes language. On a scientific level, reading is comparable to a complex system of code. The explanation for dyslexia lies in the disruption of the neural circuits that "crack" the code. For non-dyslexics, the ability to hear individual sounds in words (phonemic awareness) and assign them to letters (phonics) comes quite easily. However, for Dyslexics, this process gets interrupted. This is attributed to the hallmark deficit in phonemic awareness which makes sounds much less distinguishable. For those with severe to profound Dyslexia, it can feel nearly impossible. Add in letters that get easily jumbled, and ...