Types of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disability which hinders a persons ability to spell or read.  There are many different types of dyslexia.  Dyslexia is diagnosed by a doctor such as a neuropsychologist, a developmental pediatrician, neurologist or educational psychologist.  Some symptoms of dyslexia include difficulty learning letters, distinguising word sounds, and confusion reading sentences in the correct order and direction.

Neglect Dyslexia

Neglect dyslexia is a condition where a person neglects to read one side of a word.  This is most common in longer words, or compound words.  For example when reading the word "stairway" the reader may only see "way" or "stair".

Spelling Dyslexia

Spelling Dyslexia is when the reader has problems reading all types of words.  At times, as person with spelling dyslexia, may not be able to identify certain letters.  Those with spelling dyslexia read very slow, and will read each letter at a time.

Semantic Dyslexia

Semantic Dyslexia is when a person has trouble understanding a word because they have distorted the spelling or meaning of the it.  When reading a word they may think of a synonym, or antonym of the word.  For example, a person with semantic dyslexia may confuse the word "jump" with "jumped".

Dyslexia Without Dysgraphia

Dyslexia without Dysgraphia is a form of dyslexia that may never be diagnosed in some patients because it typically does not affect a persons oral language or writing.  Dyslexia with Dysgraphia is when a person has problems with reading but not with writing.  Some with this form of dyslexia will also have trouble doing math because they have to read numbers which can be confusing. 

Dyslexia With Dysgraphia

Dyslexia with Dysgraphia is commonly referred to as "Deep Dyslexia" because it is very severe.  A person with this form of dyslexia may have problems writing letters and words, pronouncing words, and grasping the meaning of some words.  This form of dyslexia can effect all aspects of someone's life, so it is important that someone with this form of dyslexia to receive additional help.

Trauma Dyslexia

This form of dyslexia occurs after a person has had a traumatic injury to trauma to the brain.  Usually, for students who are of school age, this form of dyslexia is not diagnosed because they will receive a note of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Treating Dyslexia

It is crucial to diagnose dyslexia at an early age.  The sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated.  For many school age children, it is best to sit down with the school and create and IEP (individual education program).  An IEP will give the child special care and will help them to cope with their learning disability.  

One of the first steps to treating dyslexia are to learn your child's weaknesses.  Some children have trouble reading, while others have problems with speaking, math or writing.  Some children may even have a combination of these challenges.  Once you are aware of their areas of weakness you will know the areas to concentrate on most.  A good place to start treating dyslexia is letters.  Try using flash cards to review letters and sounds with your child.  Then continue by working on phonics.  Another suggestion is to hire a tutor who can work with you child.  There are also many programs or games that your child can play which will help to treat their dyslexia.