Context:
Recently, as part of the nation-wide ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign, key monuments in Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Blocks, and India Gate, have been illuminated in red, the colour for Dyslexia Awareness.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dyslexia: An Overview
Nature and Challenges of Dyslexia:
- Definition and Characteristics:
- Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties with reading, particularly with phonemic awareness—the ability to discern and manipulate sounds in spoken words. This issue stems from differences in the brain’s language processing regions.
- Common Misconceptions:
- Despite common beliefs, dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, hearing, or vision impairments, nor does it reflect a person’s overall learning capacity. It is often mistakenly referred to as the “slow-learner syndrome.”
Causes and Inheritance:
- Genetic Factors:
- Dyslexia tends to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. The likelihood of inheriting dyslexia can be as high as 30% to 50% if a parent also has the condition.
- Brain Structure and Function:
- Research indicates notable differences in the brain structure and functionality of individuals with dyslexia, affecting how they process language.
- Developmental Disruptions:
- Factors such as prenatal infections or exposure to toxins may interfere with normal brain development, potentially contributing to the onset of dyslexia.
Legal and Educational Framework:
- Legislative Recognition:
- Dyslexia is recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 in India, which provides protections and equal opportunities in education and employment.
- Educational Policies:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of India supports the rights of dyslexic individuals by promoting inclusive educational practices. This policy includes measures for early detection, enhancing teacher training, and equipping schools with the necessary resources to support students with dyslexia.
-Source: Indian Express
