The symptoms of dyslexia can vary from mild to severe and manifest themselves differently in each person. Here are some common signs:

• Slow and hesitant reading: Difficulty recognizing words and reading fluidly.

• Difficulty with spelling: Frequent mistakes in words and difficulties in learning spelling rules.

• Exchange of letters and sounds: Confusion between letters with similar sounds (such as “b” and “d”) or inversion of the order of letters.

• Problems with writing: Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper, as well as grammar and punctuation errors.

• Short-term memory problems: Difficulty remembering recently seen or heard words.

• Difficulty with mathematics: Although dyslexia mainly affects reading, some children also have problems with numbers and mathematical symbols, especially in tasks such as interpreting written problems.

Causes of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is considered a genetic condition, as it tends to run in families. Research indicates that it is caused by differences in the development and functioning of regions of the brain responsible for processing language. Other factors that may contribute include:

• Genetic factors: Children who have family members with dyslexia are more likely to have the disorder.

• Changes in the brain: Neuroimaging studies show that the brains of people with dyslexia process information differently, especially in the areas responsible for recognizing words and sounds.

• Prenatal environment and birth: Some studies suggest that complications during pregnancy or birth may increase the risk of dyslexia.