Learning disabilities can have a deeper impact than many realize. Take attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an example; individuals with ADHD often face impulsive actions, like making unnecessary purchases at the grocery store, or may have difficulty maintaining focus on tasks and following directions.

Other prevalent learning disabilities include dyscalculia, which involves challenges with mathematics and numerical information; auditory processing disorder, where one finds it hard to process auditory information; and dysgraphia, characterized by difficulties in translating thoughts into writing.

However, dyslexia stands out as more common among these disabilities and “can considerably affect daily life in diverse ways, particularly regarding education and social interactions,” asserts Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.

No matter the cause, dyslexia is a diagnosis made by a mental health expert and can be supported through various effective interventions.

Defining Dyslexia

Dyslexia is defined as a brain-based learning difficulty “that influences how individuals process written language, notably in reading, writing, and spelling,” elaborates Jimmy Noorlander, a licensed clinical social worker in Utah and co-host of the podcast Open Source Entrepreneur.

Individuals with dyslexia may face challenges such as decoding words, associating letters with their sounds, swapping or reversing letters or words, recalling what they read, or performing math operations. These struggles can make “many routine tasks” feel challenging and can particularly complicate experiences in school or at work,” Noorlander explains.

It’s also important to recognize that individuals will experience dyslexia differently at various life stages. For instance, signs of dyslexia in early childhood may differ from those observed in adolescence or adulthood.

Moreover, dyslexia can co-occur with other mental health issues. “Research indicates that children with dyslexia are more susceptible to behavioral and emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression,” states Dr. Saidi Clemente, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician with the Atlantic Health System in New Jersey.

The reason behind this is that social isolation and issues with self-esteem “can stem from someone’s struggles to keep up with their peers,” according to her.

Despite the challenges that may accompany it, Noorlander asserts that “dyslexia does not affect a person’s intelligence or creativity. Many individuals with dyslexia discover ways to adapt and flourish.” Additionally, due to the varying levels of severity associated with dyslexia, some individuals manage to cope with milder forms so effectively that they might not even be aware they have it.

How prevalent is dyslexia?

Dyslexia exists in various degrees, and it is “far more common than one might expect,” explains Noorlander. In fact, studies suggest it affects approximately 20% of the global population, translating to 1 in every 5 people.

Furthermore, dyslexia is even more prevalent among individuals with other learning disabilities, impacting around 80% to 90% of them, highlights Nagata.

Given these considerations, dyslexia is acknowledged as the most widespread learning disability.

Is dyslexia hereditary?

What causes this prevalent yet sometimes difficult-to-diagnose learning disorder? Although the exact origins are not completely understood, we know that dyslexia “stems from inherent differences in the brain areas that are responsible for reading,” states Nagata. This means that environmental influences, like growing up in a home where reading is neither promoted nor supported, can also contribute.

Gender also plays a role, as studies indicate that boys are more prone to reading difficulties than girls. “Infections, exposure to toxins, and other factors during pregnancy can heighten the probability of developing dyslexia by affecting the development of the fetal brain,” adds Nagata.

However, the most universally acknowledged contributing factor is genetics. For instance, Clemente mentions that dyslexia is present in up to 68% of identical twins of those with the disorder and affects nearly 50% of individuals who have a close relative diagnosed with dyslexia.

But there’s no reason to worry excessively. Noorlander emphasizes: “Early detection and assistance through specialized educational methods can lead to significant improvements, helping those with dyslexia overcome their challenges and achieve success in educational, professional, and personal settings.”