Hi welcome to Talking with Donna, I am glad you can join me. So, far I have shared numerous forms of the mental health series of disorders (Depression, Major Depression and Persistent Depressive, Bipolar disorders, Cyclothymic Disorder, Postpartum Depression Disorder, Atypical Depression Disorder, Catatonic Depression disorder and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, just to name a few).
It has been a long while since I have prepared a mental health blog. If, I am not mistaken, I fell off in September of last year with Specific Learning disorders blog and life got the best of me. This is still part of that series.
We have been around the area of neurodevelopment disorders; this area has at least seven categories and several subcategories. Right now, we are discussing specific learning disorders with sub categorical challenges: dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia. The challenges express themselves in the following areas auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder and visual perception/visual motor deficit.
I hope the past information on this subject has been helpful to some and informational for others. These are just a few examples of the different forms of neurological disorders. It is important to note that these types of disorders as with all of them can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. Additionally, some individuals may experience a combination of these forms disorders or have symptoms that don’t neatly fit into a single category. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a mental health professional are essential for effectively managing these challenges.
Today I will be sharing with you part 1 of dyslexia.
In the next coming months, we will continue in the same vein of mental health information, and I must really be careful as to how I present the information to you. This is not for you to diagnosis, treat or hold your friend’s or family members hostage, it is not meant to make you a professional, it is information that you can find on any internet site. I am so thrilled you stayed tuned……Now on with the information.
(*. Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know are challenged with mental health challenges, please seek professional mental health services. This information is not for replacement of diagnosing or a substitute for treatment or therapy. This information is for educational purposes only. *)
Dyslexia
*The history of Dyslexia?
* What it is?
* Another name for it (if it has one)?
* Characteristics of the disorder?
Thank you for continuing to support me. I will be posting more information concerning the many forms and subtypes of these disorders during the coming week at which point we will continue with this mental health challenge. I will start with and follow the same format.
The history of Dyslexia?
Dyslexia, a condition characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling, it has been studied for over a century and is recognized as a distinct learning difficulty beginning in the late 19th century.
• 1896: British physician Dr. W. Pringle Morgan published the first case study of a boy with what he called “congenital word blindness.” This was one of the earliest formal descriptions of dyslexia.
• 1900s: German ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin coined the term “dyslexia” from the Greek words dys (difficulty) and lexis (word or language). Initially, dyslexia at one point was thought to be a vision-related condition.
• 1920s-1930s: Researchers began to shift focus from visual impairments to brain function. Dr. Samuel T. Orton in the U.S. proposed that dyslexia was related to language processing in the brain. He emphasized the need for specialized teaching methods.
• 1950s-1960s: Dyslexia research expanded with the development of better psychological and neurological testing. Dr. Norman Geschwind linked dyslexia to differences in brain development, emphasizing its biological basis.
• 1980s-1990s: Advances in neuroscience allowed scientists to study the brain more closely. Research showed that dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence but a difference in how the brain processes language. Functional MRI scans identified specific areas of the brain involved in reading challenges.
• 2000s-Present: Dyslexia currently is recognized as a neurological condition with genetic links. Educational interventions, assistive technologies, and advocacy efforts have improved awareness and support.
What 2025 Is Teaching Us
In my continued work with individuals and families navigating learning differences, I’ve come across some powerful new research in 2025 that truly changes the game. Experts are now urging us to expand how we define dyslexia—not just as a reading issue, but as a broader learning spectrum that includes challenges with memory, processing speed, and even coordination. I found it especially exciting to see how new tools like AI-based reading support and eye-tracking technology are helping us detect dyslexia earlier and more accurately. There’s also a growing movement pushing for universal dyslexia screening in early childhood and stronger teacher training to make classrooms more inclusive. Voices like Jamie Oliver are even bringing this conversation into the mainstream, reminding us how painful delayed diagnosis can be. It’s heartening to see this shift toward earlier intervention, compassion, and real solutions.
Today, dyslexia is understood as a lifelong condition that affects millions worldwide. While challenges persist, there is increasing recognition of the strengths often associated with dyslexic thinking, such as creativity and problem-solving.
What it is?
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects a person’s ability to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak. It’s not related to intelligence or vision problems but is caused by differences in how the brain processes language. People with dyslexia often have difficulty recognizing the connection between letters and sounds, making it harder to decode words and read fluently.
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support—like specialized teaching, accommodations, and tools—individuals can learn to manage its challenges. Many people with dyslexia also possess strengths in areas like creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. It’s one of the most common learning differences, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide.
Another name for it (if it has one)?
Yes, there are several diffident names depending on the context in which is is used.
1. Specific Reading Disability (SRD): A term often used in educational and clinical settings to describe dyslexia as a specific difficulty with reading.
2. Reading Disorder: Used in some diagnostic manuals like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
3. Developmental Dyslexia: This emphasizes that dyslexia is a condition present from childhood and is related to brain development.
4. Word Blindness (historical): An older term coined in the 19th century when dyslexia was first studied, though it is no longer widely used.
While these terms might be used interchangeably in certain contexts, “dyslexia” is the most commonly recognized and widely accepted name.
Characteristics of the disorder?
Dyslexia affects reading, writing, and language skills due to differences in how the brain processes written and spoken language. Its characteristics vary from person to person but may include the following:
- Difficulty with Reading:
• Trouble recognizing letters, words, or patterns.
• Difficulty decoding words (connecting letters to their sounds).
• Slow or inaccurate reading.
- Challenges with Writing and Spelling:
• Frequent spelling mistakes, even with familiar words.
• Difficulty organizing thoughts into written sentences or paragraphs.
• Reversing or miswriting letters or numbers (e.g., “b” as “d” or “12” as “21”).
- Problems with Phonological Awareness:
• Trouble breaking down words into sounds or blending sounds to form words.
• Difficulty rhyming or identifying syllables.
- Language Processing Issues:
• Challenges understanding and following written or spoken instructions.
• Limited vocabulary or trouble finding the right word in conversation.
- Memory and Focus Difficulties:
- Short-term memory challenges, especially for sequences (e.g., phone numbers, days of the week).
• Difficulty staying focused on reading or writing tasks.
- Strengths and Other Traits:
• Strong creativity, problem-solving, or big-picture thinking.
• Often good at hands-on learning and visual-spatial tasks.
Important Note:
Dyslexia does not affect intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia develop successful strategies and excel in areas like art, design, engineering, or entrepreneurship when given the proper support and accommodations, which we will be discussing in the next couple of weeks.
Please follow me next Wednesday when I will share information concerning part dyslexia 2 of 3:
* What are some of the challenges people affected with dyslexia?
*What can individuals do to offset symptoms of dyslexia?
*What type of exercises are good for individual challenged with dyslexia?
*What is a balance diet for people affected with dyslexia?
Thank you for continuing to support me. Last post I said I would do a monthly post on mental health challenges, well there is a lot of information I want to cover with dyslexia, and I feel I would be doing you a dis-service by limiting it too one part of the subject matter. So, it is a series of information I will be sharing with you this group of challenges.
Oh, I hope you had a chance to check out the web page for “Fit By Any Means in Hammond Indiana” or if you. Live in that area go check it out tell them Donna sent you.
I like for you to join me here on my Blog “Talking with Donna” where I will continue to provide information on mental health. Also, you can listen to my podcast also named “Talking with Donna”, where I provide meditation for stress relief or just for relaxation and although they are old (as I haven’t had a chance to record new meditation as of yet. If you haven’t already, please check it out). I can be found on these platforms: Spotify, Apple podcast, Google podcast, Overcast, Stitcher, Amazon music, Pocket cast and iHeart Radio.
Again, thank you for joining me. Please Remember to, Like, Share and follow. You can also email me at talkingwithdonna@gmail.com..
Remember if you or someone you know are dealing with mental health challenges please seek assistance and know you are not alone…..
Talking with Donna 