Dyslexia is a learning disability that prevents sufferers from learning how to read
and write properly due to the fact that they see words and letters wrongly. Such people usually diagnosed as children suffer from this disability all their lives, but it does not mean that they are not just as bright as other children. In some cases they may be even smarter. It is just that their brain has a dysfunction in the reading/writing area.
An injury to that part of the brain that handles reading and writing tasks is one cause, though it is somewhat rare.
Primary dyslexia is cause by a dysfunction not an injury - in the left side of the brain. It is a hereditary disease passed down through the family and affects boys more than girls. It can be managed, though not cured.
Developmental dyslexia is believed to be caused by a hormonal effect on the developing foetus. This type does improve over time, so as the child grows up an improvement is seen. It also tends to affect boys more than girls.
The main dyslexia symptoms noticed by classroom teachers is the reversal of letters and numbers. This is a common learning difficulty, but normally children over the age of eight have it sorted out to a great extent. But dyslexics do not. Additionally, they may have trouble copying from the board or a book; may be uncoordinated in their play or sports and find it difficult to tell left from right. They may be unable to move rhythmically to music.
Dyslexic children may also find remembering difficult. They may become withdrawn, suffer depression and start to dislike school. Reading fluency programmes are advised as dyslexia treatment. These can often be instigated by the school, though there are other dyslexia programmes available outside of the school setting. Additionally, coping and compensation skills should be taught.