Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Learning Differences
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Key Takeaways
- Dyslexia is a neurologically-based learning disorder that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills, and is not a sign of low intelligence.
- Early signs include difficulty learning letter names and sounds, trouble rhyming or breaking words into syllables, slow or inaccurate reading, and poor spelling, often appearing in preschool or early elementary years.
- Dyslexia often runs in families and is linked to differences in brain structure and function that affect how language is processed.
- Dyslexia is highly manageable with the right support, often through multi-disciplinary care that includes speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and multisensory reading programs.
- Multisensory reading programs such as Orton-Gillingham, the Wilson Reading System, and the Barton Reading & Spelling System are most effective when delivered by trained professionals in one-on-one or small group settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dyslexia mean my child is not smart?
No. Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent and creative, but they need specialized approaches to reading and language learning.
What are the early signs of dyslexia in young children?
Common signs include difficulty learning letter names and sounds, trouble rhyming or breaking words into syllables, slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling and inconsistent writing, and avoidance of reading or writing tasks. These often appear in preschool or early elementary years.
Is dyslexia hereditary?
Dyslexia often runs in families. A family history of reading or language difficulties and genetic predisposition are recognized risk factors, and it is linked to differences in brain structure and function that affect how language is processed.
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
A comprehensive evaluation may include standardized reading and language assessments, cognitive and phonological processing tests, speech-language evaluations, visual and auditory processing assessments, and input from teachers and caregivers. Speech-language pathologists often play a central role in identifying dyslexia and tailoring intervention plans.
What therapies can help a child with dyslexia?
Treatment is often multi-disciplinary and can include speech-language therapy (such as phonological awareness training and decoding strategies), occupational therapy, physical therapy, and multisensory reading programs like Orton-Gillingham, the Wilson Reading System, and the Barton Reading & Spelling System.
