University of Calgary medical researchers have found the location of a gene that makes people likely to inherit dyslexia. This is the fourth such discovery in recent years.
Other scientists have already discovered three other locations of different genes that have been linked to this condition. Dr. Leigh Field, a medical geneticist at the University of Calgary, believes this indicates that it is probably several genes or a combination of genes that leads to the development of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is the leading Learning Disability in North America, affecting between three and ten percent of school-aged children.
Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic. Dyslexia is not a result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions. Although dyslexia is life-long, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention.
It is hoped that this ongoing research will lead to routine genetic screening that could provide early identification of the condition, so that children could get help prior to and upon entering the school system.
Although there would no doubt be costs associated with the testing, Dr. Field has pointed out that their are heavy costs to the school and society in attempting to educate unidentified sufferers of this condition.
The Medical Research Council of Canada has awarded Dr. Field's research team an additional $120,000 a year over three years.
Go To Page: 1
