Reading Help: What is Dyslexia and How to Help Reading challenges stem from many different sources. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of needing to spend more time with concepts and materials—but frequently, there are other underlying concerns. To find the right reading help, it’s important to understand what’s at the root of any reading difficulties your learner is experiencing. One common source for reading problems is a cognitive difference, such as a reading disorder. In particular, dyslexia is said to affect 20% of Americans and is one of the most common cognitive differences that face learners of all ages. But what is this condition? And what does it mean when you’re looking for reading help? Dyslexia is a cognitive disorder that affects reading and writing abilities specifically. Because of this, it’s typically identified early in childhood, when students face difficulty in school. But some people don’t get diagnosed until adulthood. The good news is that proper reading help can help those with dyslexia embrace reading and writing! Let’s take a closer look at this condition to better understand what kind of help your learner needs. Understanding Reading Help with Dyslexia Common Questions about Dyslexia and Reading Help If you’re unfamiliar with dyslexia, you’re likely to have questions about it. Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions about this cognitive difference: What causes dyslexia?Dyslexia is linked to difficulties in the area of the brain that processes language. Although our understanding of it is ever-evolving, the risk of having it is more likely if other family members have it, too. Will reading always be difficult?Reading doesn’t always have to be a challenge for those with reading disorders—although it often requires more effort. That said, many learners can enjoy reading and writing successfully, even with this condition! What can help with dyslexia?When it comes to cognitive differences, diagnosis can often be a crucial first step in getting the right type of help. From there, dedicated forms of support, such as one-on-one reading help, plus accommodations at school, can be enormously impactful. 3 Symptoms of Dyslexia in Children, Teens, and Adults So, how do you know if dyslexia may be a concern for you or your learner? Challenges with reading and writing can present differently, and it helps to be vigilant during childhood especially. Common childhood symptoms include: Delays with learning to speak or pick up vocabulary Challenges with spelling or reading at the grade level Difficulty sounding out words When learners reach adolescence or adulthood, they’ve often found coping mechanisms to mask their challenges, making it harder to identify any issues. That said, here are a few common symptoms for teens and adults: Struggles with activities involving reading or writing Difficulty with analyzing or summarizing stories Difficulty with reading aloud If you’re concerned that dyslexia is at the root of any reading or writing challenges, it’s worth speaking to your learner’s school to see what they’ve noticed, as well as exploring a potential diagnosis. These can be the first steps for finding the right reading help. How Brain Training Offers Reading Help For those with reading disorders, one-on-one reading help can be a great way to turn previous reading frustrations into new triumphs! At LearningRx, we take a personalized approach with every student, drawing on decades of research into reading challenges. It’s important to note that our one-on-one brain training programs are never intended as a cure for dyslexia. Instead, they’re geared towards building stronger reading skills for all ages. Through games, mental exercises, and drills, students build core reading and reading comprehension skills. In doing so, they can create a solid foundation for better reading, learning, and writing! LearningRx offers reading help programs for kids, teens, and adults. To learn more about brain training, visit our website or contact us at 866-BRAIN-01.