Dyslexia and learning disabilities

Overview

Hearing and vision should be checked first.

Dyslexia affects reading and spelling. Dyscalculia affects math. Dysgraphia affects handwriting.

These are lifelong differences, and with the right teaching people do very well.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Trouble reading, writing, or math

Less common

• Trouble spelling
• Slow reading

Look up a symptom: Child not talking or meeting milestones · Easily distracted or can't pay attention

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history

Possible complications

• ADHD

Diagnosis

A school or specialist evaluation.

Treatment

Get support.

Self-care

• Request a school evaluation in writing
• Use audiobooks
• Read aloud together daily
• Use text-to-speech tools

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Early screening

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a school psychologist or a developmental pediatrician.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults: Accommodations at work and college are available.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Support works.

Early, structured reading help works best.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• How do we request a school evaluation?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dyslexia and learning disabilities