A Family Doctor's Tale - DYSLEXIA

DOC I HAVE DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia is defined as the serious impairment in development of reading or spelling skills not explainable in general intellectual ability, inadequate schooling or visual perceptual capacity.

It is a hereditary problem with family history of language problems.
There is central nervous system deficit defect in the synthesis of graphic symbols.

Symptoms:
1.MARKED DISCREPANCY BETWEEN INTELLIQUENCE AND LEVEL OF ACADEMIC SPELLING AND READING SKILLS
2.impairments manifested in reversals(dig for pig,was for saw)
3.inability to recognize words seen many times before
4.Poor concentration or inattention in class
5.social withdrawal
6.truancy
7.subjective feeling of being 'stupid'
Boys affected more than girls

Diagnosis:
1.physical and neurological exam
2.eye and hearing tests
3.psychological and educational testing

Treatment:
counseling with parents and patient
psychotherapy
remedial education
healthy lifestyle

Prognosis
lifelong handicap
minimize by special tutring technique emphasizing phonics