Is Dyslexia A Neurological Disorder | Sai Hospital, Haldwani

The term dyslexia has been cropping up whenever learning difficulties are discussed, particularly among children. The question that concerns many parents arises: Is Dyslexia A Neurological Disorder? As the existing research and clinical knowledge indicate, the answer is rather complex and dynamic. The scientific consensus, brain mechanism, and the need for early intervention are discussed in this blog, including credible information and assistance that could be availed at Sai Hospital, Haldwani.

What Is Dyslexia, and Is Dyslexia A Neurological Disorder?

Dyslexia is usually described as a specific learning disorder (disability), which can be described as continually experiencing difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling, although the individual has normal intelligence and has had sufficient learning opportunities. It is long-term and normally detected during the early years of school, and it may continue later in life. Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence or motivation. It is a language-based processing disorder that impacts the way the brain processes written and sometimes spoken language.

The Neurological View

Is Dyslexia A Neurological Disorder?

Whether dyslexia should be classified as a neurological disorder or not is a question that is still debated by researchers and clinicians. Major medical sources define dyslexia as a persistent neurological condition that causes disability in identifying and processing graphic symbols, mainly language-related symbols. Such a position is, however, not uncontested.

In a thorough evaluation posted in the journal Pediatric Neurology Briefs, it is pointed out that developmental dyslexia is a neurologically-based and typically familial condition that disrupts language acquisition and processing. This has been supported by evidence of neuroanatomical abnormalities, namely cortical malformations, atypical brain asymmetry, and corpus callosal deficit in people with dyslexia. There are also differences in the patterns of brain activity during language and reading tasks demonstrated with the help of functional imaging studies (fMRI, PET, and magnetoencephalography).

Alternatively, other professionals note that although dyslexia is linked with brain differences, these differences may not amount to a disorder in the strict medical sense. They remind us that the differences in the collective brain structure and functioning are unavoidable when comparing persons with different capabilities and performance levels. That is, the brain differences observed in dyslexia might just be the neural substrate of behavioural differences and not an indication of a pathological or dysfunctional brain.

Neurobiological Insights

Brain Structure and Function

Several structural and functional alterations in the brains of people with dyslexia have been detected through research. These include –

• Smaller Gray and White Matter – It has also been found that individuals with dyslexia also tend to have reduced amounts of gray matter (where information is processed) and white matter (required to communicate between brain areas) in regions important to language and reading, including the left perisylvian cortex.
• Changed Brain Functioning – Functional imaging scans show hypoactivation (underactivation) in left inferior frontal, temporoparietal, and occipitotemporal regions, which are parts that process recognition of symbols, sound-to-meaning translation, and matching letters with sounds.
• Abnormal Connectivity – There is also abnormal connectivity in dyslexia, mostly in the arcuate fasciculus (white matter tract that connects language-related brain areas) and corpus callosum (which helps in communication between the two brain hemispheres).
• Early Developmental Alterations – Sulcal dysmorphology and abnormal neural connectivity are observable early in the development of children with a history of dyslexia in the family. Some brain areas might also be developed before Normal, and it might influence reading and attentional networks.

These results imply that dyslexia has distinct brain traits in the brain but whether this is a disorder or a normal variation in the development of the brain is still controversial.

Debating the “Disorder” Label

Is it Disorder or Developmental Variation?

The issue of whether dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder or a neurological one is not purely academic – there are practical consequences of research, clinical practice, and perception by the general public.

The very notion of dyslexia as a disorder is not substantiated by some researchers. They underline the fact that brain differences are present, but they do not demonstrate a definite picture of the disrupted or abnormal developmental process. Rather, dyslexia could be the low end of a normal distribution of reading ability, determined by differences in the brain structure and functioning in individuals. This view is close to the concept that brains are not designed to read, and that difficulty in reading does not always point to a dysfunction.

Other experts believe that the findings of structural and functional brain differences consistently, together with the familial and genetic aspects of dyslexia does qualify it to be a neurologically-based dyslexia. This opinion is further strengthened by the existence of particular cognitive weaknesses, including deficits in phonological processing, fast auditory or visual processing, and cross-brain areas integration of information.

Clinical and Educational Implications

Diagnosis and Treatment

The classification of dyslexia notwithstanding, it is vital that it should be identified early and appropriate action taken. Dyslexia is incurable and permanent, and against all odds and with proper guidance, victims can overcome their weaknesses and excel in life.

In Sai Hospital Haldwani, a multidisciplinary focus has been given towards the assessment and management of dyslexia. This includes –

• In-depth Assessment – Testing by pediatric neurologists, psychologists, and educators to determine exact strengths and areas of difficulty.
• Specialized Instruction – Special instruction, such as the use of phonics in teaching, to deal with the problem of reading and spelling.
• Reading Fluency Practice – Strategies to enhance automaticity and reading comprehension.
• Writing Support – Spelling, grammar, and organizational strategy.
• Assistive Technology – Application of aids like text-to-speech and speech-to-text software in facilitating learning and communication.
• Classroom Accommodations – Adjustments that could be made to a test, like additional time, oral tests, and having material read aloud, to minimize limitations to learning.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

In case of children who need special support, individualized education plans (IEPs) may be made out jointly with the assistance of teachers and specialists in Sai Hospital, Haldwani. They are plans that indicate the specific goals, interventions, as well as accommodations that would be used to meet the learning needs of the child.

Conclusion

So, Is Dyslexia A Neurological Disorder?

Dyslexia is a complicated disorder that has an excellent neurological orientation, and the question of whether it is a neurological disorder or not is under discussion. The thing is that dyslexia is accompanied by peculiarities of the brain structure and difficulties in processing language. The three components of early recognition, evidence-based interventions, and an enabling environment are what is needed to ensure that individuals with dyslexia get to realize their full potential, as was the case at Sai Hospital, Haldwani.

With the right knowledge on the science of dyslexia and with the right attitude of caring and approaching each individual differently, we can help those living with this condition to realize that they can overcome their challenges and excel in every aspect of their life. At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, we are dedicated to ensuring the provision of correct information, thorough assessment, and individualised management of people and families going through the experience of dyslexia – visit today!