Dyslexia cannot be cured – the problem in the brain that causes dyslexia lasts throughout the person’s lifetime. However, special education and training techniques can help people to learn how to use vision, hearing and touch to improve their reading skills. A specialist in learning disorders can help train people with dyslexia in alternate strategies for learning to read.

Treatment early in life helps those affected attain typical developmental and education skills. However, it is never too late for people with dyslexia to learn how to read and process information – even if they did not receive specialized instruction as children.

Phonics instruction, which is based on associating certain sounds with certain letters (or phonemes), can help teach children about the basic units of words and how to blend those units to create meaning. In addition, a patient may be taught certain lessons verbally and asked to trace the words with a fingertip. The patient may use flash cards, computer programs and other techniques to reinforce the information being learned. Using all of the senses (e.g., visual, tactile, auditory) helps the child receive as much information as possible.

Parents who read with their children can help them to pronounce letters and spell out words. Parents can also help their children by explaining that dyslexia is a medical condition that is not due to lack of intelligence or effort on the part of the child. Parents and caregivers are usually provided with specific recommendations by learning disorders specialists to help the child. In addition, there are numerous support groups and community resources for individuals with dyslexia and their families.