SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA IN ADULTS
The signs of dyslexia in adolescents and adults are similar to those in children. Some specific signs and symptoms of dyslexia in adolescents and adults include:
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Difficulty reading, including reading aloud.
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Slow and laborious reading and writing.
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Spelling problems.
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Avoiding activities that involve reading.
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Mispronouncing names or words, or having trouble retrieving words.
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Difficulty understanding jokes or expressions with non-literal meanings (idioms), such as "piece of cake" meaning "easy."
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Spending an unusually long time completing tasks that involve reading or writing.
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Difficulty summarizing a story.
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Problems learning a foreign language.
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Difficulty memorizing.
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Difficulty solving math problems.
CAUSES
Recent research shows that developmental dyslexia has a hereditary basis. Science indicates that dyslexia is linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language. This genetic basis is often reinforced by other factors such as:
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Family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities.
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Premature birth or low birth weight.
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Exposure during pregnancy to nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or infections that may alter brain development in the fetus.
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Individual differences in the parts of the brain that enable reading.
COMPLICATIONS
Dyslexia can cause a range of difficulties, including:
Learning Difficulties:
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Since reading is a basic skill in school, a child with dyslexia may be at a disadvantage and have more trouble keeping up with their assignments.
Social Difficulties:
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If untreated, dyslexia can lead to low self-esteem, behavioral problems, anxiety, aggression, and social withdrawal.
Difficulties in Adults:
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Difficulty reading and understanding texts can be an obstacle for a child reaching their potential. This can have educational, social, and economic consequences as an adult.
Co-morbidity:
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Children with dyslexia are at greater risk of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and vice versa. ADHD can cause difficulty maintaining attention, as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, which can complicate the treatment of dyslexia.