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Studies with patientsTable of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Dyslexia?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds) and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.Is there any treatment?
The main focus of treatment should be on the specific learning problems of affected individuals. The usual course is to modify teaching methods and the educational environment to meet the specific needs of the individual with dyslexia.
What is the prognosis?
For those with dyslexia, the prognosis is mixed. The disability affects such a wide range of people, producing different symptoms and varying degrees of severity, that predictions are hard to make. The prognosis is generally good, however, for individuals whose dyslexia is identified early, who have supportive family and friends and a strong self-image, and who are involved in a proper remediation program.
What research is being done?
The NINDS and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health, conduct research on dyslexia. Current research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat dyslexia and other learning disabilities, increasing the understanding of the biological basis of learning disabilities, and exploring the relationship between neurophysiological processes and cognitive functions with regard to reading ability.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
OrganizationsInternational Dyslexia Association
8600 LaSalle Road
Chester Building, Ste. 382
Baltimore, MD
21286-2044
info@interdys.org
http://www.interdys.org
Tel: 410-296-0232
800-ABCD123
Fax: 410-321-5069
Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA
15234-1349
ldanatl@usaor.net
http://www.ldanatl.org
Tel: 412-341-1515
412-341-8077
Fax: 412-344-0224
National Center for Learning Disabilities
381 Park Avenue South
Suite 1401
New York, NY
10016
http://www.ld.org
Tel: 212-545-7510
888-575-7373
Fax: 212-545-9665
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 2A32
Bethesda, MD
20892-2425
NICHDClearinghouse@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5133
800-370-2943
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Blvd.
Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD
20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513
TTY: 301-443-8431
Depression Info: 800-421-4211
Anxiety Info: 88-88-ANXIETY (269-4389)
Panic Info: 888-64-PANIC (64-72642)
Fax: 301-443-4279
Related NINDS Publications and InformationLearning Disabilities
Learning disabilities information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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