According to the NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, “Reading disorders occur when a person has trouble with any part of the reading process. Reading and language-based learning disabilities are commonly referred to as dyslexia. These disorders are present from a young age and usually result from specific differences in the way the brain processes language.“

For our purposes, we will use “Dyslexia” as a catch-all for reading disabilities. Dyslexia is considered a developmental disorder present (if not recognized) from early childhood; although, in rare cases such as brain injury and dementia, it can be acquired. Dyslexia is neurologically based; i.e., it is a result of anomalies in brain function. Dyslexia is characterized by slow reading and difficulty decoding words, which results in slow and painful reading, switching letters within a word, substituting one small word (“i”, “the”, “a” ) for another, and difficulty recalling or understanding known words. Dyslexia does not result in poor reading comprehension, but may exacerbate it.

The exact cause of Dyslexia is unknown. Although, research points to hereditary factors, low birth weight, and exposure to nicotine or other drugs in the womb as possible contributing risk factors.

Reading disorders are notintellectual disorders and do not indicate low intelligence or inability to learn. Reading disorders should not be confused with reading difficulties caused by issues with vision or hearing or inadequate instruction.