From the Research
Acquired dyslexia is a reading disorder that develops after a person has already learned to read, typically resulting from brain damage such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological disease. Unlike developmental dyslexia, which is present from childhood, acquired dyslexia emerges following specific brain trauma that affects language processing areas. There are several types of acquired dyslexia, including surface dyslexia (difficulty with irregular words), phonological dyslexia (trouble with unfamiliar words), and deep dyslexia (semantic errors when reading) 1.
Types of Acquired Dyslexia
- Surface dyslexia: difficulty with irregular words
- Phonological dyslexia: trouble with unfamiliar words
- Deep dyslexia: semantic errors when reading
Treatment typically involves speech and language therapy tailored to the specific type of reading deficit, with approaches focusing on retraining reading pathways in the brain 2. Recovery depends on the extent of brain damage, the person's age, and the intensity of rehabilitation efforts. The condition occurs because reading requires complex coordination between multiple brain regions, and damage to any part of this network can disrupt the reading process. Early intervention with a speech-language pathologist is crucial for maximizing recovery potential 3.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key to maximizing recovery potential, as it allows for the retraining of reading pathways in the brain before compensatory mechanisms are fully established 4. While the exact prognosis varies depending on the individual and the extent of their brain damage, research suggests that targeted therapy can lead to significant improvements in reading abilities 2.
Current Research and Future Directions
Current research emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and tailored rehabilitation approaches for individuals with acquired dyslexia 1. Future studies should continue to explore the neural mechanisms underlying acquired dyslexia and develop more effective therapeutic strategies to improve reading outcomes for affected individuals.