When a person with dyslexia reads, their brain processes text differently compared to a non-dyslexic brain. Dyslexia primarily affects the way the brain decodes and processes language, particularly at the phoneme level, which is the smallest unit of sound in speech.
Here are some key differences in how a dyslexic brain perceives reading:
- Phonological Processing: Dyslexic individuals often struggle with phonological processing, which means they have difficulty connecting letters to their corresponding sounds. This can make decoding words challenging.
- Visual Processing: While dyslexia is not primarily a visual disorder, some people with dyslexia report that letters or words appear to move, blur, or jump on the page. This can be due to difficulties in the brain regions responsible for visual-to-phonological processing.
- Reading Fluency: Reading can be slow and laborious for dyslexic individuals. They may have trouble recognizing sight words and comprehending written text, leading to difficulties in understanding and remembering what they read.
- Brain Activation Patterns: Neuroimaging studies have shown that dyslexic brains often have reduced activation in the left occipito-temporal cortex, which is crucial for reading and visual-to-phonological tasks. This area is less active in dyslexic readers compared to non-dyslexic readers.
Understanding these neurological and processing differences can help in developing effective strategies and interventions to support dyslexic readers. Multi-sensory approaches, breaking down language into manageable units, and providing explicit phonics instruction are vital tools. Early intervention and personalized learning plans can empower dyslexic individuals to overcome reading challenges and unlock their full potential.
If you’re interested in specific guidance or resources for supporting neurodivergent children, particularly those with dyslexia, please reach out to us.We are here to discuss a variety of programs and strategies that are tailored to individual needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.