Dyslexia affects not just reading and writing, but every aspect of life

Dyslexia manifests itself as individuals experiencing difficulty with language skills such as reading, writing, and spelling, regardless of their intelligence level. This neurodevelopmental difference, which can also be seen in individuals with normal or superior intelligence, can negatively affect many areas of an individual's life if sufficient support is not provided.

While this condition manifests in the school environment through issues such as reading slower than peers, mixing up words, or making spelling errors, it reveals itself in different ways during adulthood, particularly in professional life and social relationships.

Correctly understanding the situation and supporting individuals with appropriate training is of critical importance in preventing mental health issues, while ignoring the condition can lead to outcomes such as depression and anxiety.

IT CAN TRIGGER ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENCE

Stating that the brain undergoes restructuring during adolescence, especially in certain regions, Auto Train Brain CEO Günet Eroğlu said, 'During this period, the brain goes through a natural developmental process called cortical thinning. However, in individuals with dyslexia, these critical brain regions already have a different neurodevelopmental structure. These structural differences directly affect an individual's ability to cope with stress, manage situations of social rejection, and their emotional resilience. Especially when combined with intense pressures such as increasing exam stress around the age of 17, the search for identity, and social comparisons, this neurobiological foundation can lead to clinical conditions such as anxiety and depression.'

DYSLEXIA CAN EMERGE AT LATER AGES

Emphasizing that dyslexia may sometimes go unnoticed at an early age despite the support of schools and families, Eroğlu continued: 'However, as time passes, especially towards the end of high school years as the academic load increases, it can manifest itself. A decline in success while mental effort increases can lead to a chronic sense of failure, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and depressive symptoms in the individual. Therefore, a lot falls on families. First and foremost, they should view this situation not as a disease but as a difference, and support the individual with solutions against learning difficulties.

The cortical thinning seen in individuals with dyslexia is not a wall that blocks potential, but a neurobiological difference that can be overcome with the right intervention. However, failing to provide support in the post-adolescent period can have severe emotional consequences. In this context, the neurofeedback method, which allows the individual to track their own brain waves in real-time and learn to regulate them in the desired direction, offers an important solution. Through this application, permanent improvements are achieved by utilizing neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to restructure itself and form new neural connections.'

News Source: 12punto