Over a million people's DNA samples were analyzed by Edinburgh University researchers, including 50,000 dyslexics. Dyslexia affects one in ten Britons and one in five Americans.
Genes Responsible for Dyslexia
The new study allowed researchers to zero in on 42 genes that may be to blame for the illness. A third of the genes had previously been connected to success in learning and general cognitive capacity.
Some are also related to ambidexterity, which is the capacity to utilize both hands equally well rather than favoring the right or left, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Connection of Dyslexia to Ambidexterity and Dyslexia
The study, according to lead researcher Dr. Michelle Luciano, a specialist in language sciences, clarifies many of the disorder's unresolved problems. She claims that their research shows that ambidexterity and dyslexia share a genetic foundation and that common genetic polymorphisms have very similar effects in both males and girls.
The results also suggest a close genetic relationship between dyslexia and success on reading and spelling tests, emphasizing the value of standardized testing in the diagnosis of dyslexia.
The researchers stressed that it is still too early to use the results to genetically diagnose dyslexia after publishing their findings in the journal Nature Genetics.
Dyslexia and Other Disorders
Some of them are associated with intelligence, academic success, and other neurodevelopmental problems like language delay. However, several are novel and may indicate genes that are more closely tied to the abilities needed to learn to read.
According to Daily Mail, many of the genes linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia share a common origin. Problems with the intellect, lifestyle, and health were found to have far less overlap with the genes linked to dyslexia.
There may be general cognitive processes involved in learning to read that are independent of the type of language, because several of the related genetic changes were also significant in a sample of Chinese speakers.
Dyslexia Difficulties
Intelligence is not impaired by dyslexia. However, those who have it could struggle academically if they don't receive additional support.
Because some indicators of early dyslexia, such as frequent spelling or pronunciation problems, occur normally as children learn to read and write, a dyslexia diagnosis can be difficult. Although some patients are not detected until well into adulthood, the majority of children with learning disabilities are only discovered in the first grade.
Before thinking about seeing a doctor, parents who are worried about their child's reading and writing skills should first talk to their teacher. Adults who think they may have dyslexia can get an assessment.
Mandate on Children's Early Dyslexia Diagnosis
In December of last year, Matt Hancock, a former health secretary, acknowledged that he had concealed his dyslexia for 20 years out of embarrassment.
He had to relearn how to read and write in college after discovering he had the condition. He did this by breaking down phrases and picturing them as visuals.
Mr. Hancock tabled a bill in the House of Commons in September that would require all kids to take a dyslexia test before they finish elementary school.
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