Understanding Dyslexia: Beyond the Letters

The reality of living with dyslexia is similar to the story of a young boy who struggles at school, despite his willingness to learn. He struggles, not because he lacks interest in academic activities like his parents and teachers would have him believe, but he tries to explain that when he looks at a book, he only sees a blur of words dancing off the page and making no sense to him.

Dyslexia is a learning disability which affects the way the brain processes written language. It goes beyond reading difficulty, characterized by trouble identifying speech sounds and connecting them to letters and words; a concept regular people have no issues with - decoding. 

Despite being highly motivated and possessing normal to above-average intelligence, individuals with dyslexia struggle to read fluently and accurately.

How many people are living with dyslexia?
Dyslexia is more common than many realize. It affects approximately 10-17% of the population globally. In Africa, where awareness and resources for learning disabilities are still developing, the prevalence is comparable, but many cases go undiagnosed. This lack of diagnosis often leads to children and adults struggling silently, without the needed support. In Nigeria, approximately 20% of the population is dyslexic.

What causes a person to have dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not a disease, but the condition has been said to be present from birth. Several factors contribute to its development, they include:
- Heredity: Having a family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities increases the likelihood.
- Premature Birth: Babies born before they’re carried to full term may have a higher risk of developing dyslexia.
- Prenatal Exposure: Exposure to nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or infections during pregnancy can affect the brain development of the foetus, contributing to dyslexia.
- Brain Differences: It can also be caused by unexplained variations in the brain regions responsible for reading and language processing.

What Happens in Dyslexia?
Contrary to popular opinion, dyslexia is not just seeing letters or words backward, but the lack of phonemic awareness – the ability to recognize and manipulate phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that make up words. 

For instance, connecting the “b” sound to the letter “b” can be challenging, making it hard to blend sounds into words.

Due to this, there are struggles with recognizing short, familiar words and even  decoding longer ones, resulting in slow and effortful reading and poor comprehension. Spelling, writing, and even verbal expression can also be affected.

How do you know you have dyslexia?
The symptoms are not the same for every age group, but the common indicators include:
- In Young Children: Slow learning of new words, difficulty forming words correctly, confusing similar-sounding words, trouble remembering letters, numbers, and colours, and difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games.
- In School-Aged Children: Reading below the expected level for age, problems understanding classroom instructions, difficulty identifying similarities and differences in letters and words, and poor spelling.
- In Teens and Adults: Difficulty reading aloud, slow and labour-intensive reading and writing, trouble summarizing a story, learning foreign languages, and memorizing.

Managing Dyslexia
The effective management of dyslexia involves diverse approach. Depending on the presentation, age and some other factors, dyslexia can be managed using any of these methods:
-  Specialized Instruction: Teachers or tutors trained in specific dyslexia intervention techniques can help individuals improve reading skills.
- Emotional Support: Living with dyslexia can be frustrating, hence it is crucial to provide encouragement and understanding to such individuals, celebrate strengths in areas where they are thriving. 
- Adjustment: Extra time on tests, audiobooks, and other aiding technologies can make learning more accessible.
- Community and Family Support: Recognize and appreciate their efforts and strengths. Provide a supportive environment that encourages perseverance and self-confidence. 

How can early identification and intervention affect outcome?
Early identification of dyslexia is very important for effective intervention, especially in children. The earlier dyslexia is recognized, the sooner interventions can be made, leading to favourable outcomes. 
Parents, teachers, and caregivers should be observant and seek assessment if they suspect a child is struggling. Intervention plans may include phonics-based reading programs, speech therapy, and the use of technology to assist with reading and writing tasks.

Living with Dyslexia
Dyslexia doesn't define a person's abilities or potential, neither does it limit you. There are individuals who are living with dyslexia, and they've demonstrated that it is possible to thrive.
LeDerick Horne: A poet and activist
Steven Spielberg: A renowned filmmaker 
Whoopi Goldberg: An acclaimed actress and television host.

Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, it is not a barrier to success. With the right support and learning pattern, children and adults living with dyslexia can reach their full potential in academics and careers.