Dyslexia Definition

Dyslexia (ICD-10-GM F81.0: Reading and spelling disorder) is the reading and spelling disorder (LRS). Dyslexia belongs to the “circumscribed developmental disorders of school skills”.

Dyslexia is one of the most common partial performance disorders in childhood and adolescence. Worldwide, about 3-11% of children and adolescents suffer from a reading and/or spelling disorder (LRS).

Gender ratio: boys are affected more often than girls in a ratio of 3:1

Frequency peak: dyslexia is most commonly diagnosed in preschool or elementary school age.

The prevalence (disease frequency) is about 8% for a combined reading and spelling disorder and about 7% for an isolated spelling disorder. Isolated reading disorder is approximately 6%. Up to 6.4% of adults in Germany do not reach the reading/spelling level of fourth graders.

Course and prognosis: The abilities of students with dyslexia are often underestimated due to their spelling disorder, resulting in wrong decisions about school careers. As a result, dyslexia often leads to lower levels of vocational training as well as increased unemployment rates among those affected. A professionally treated dyslexia can, however, contribute to a successful school development and a positive personality development.

Comorbidities (concomitant disorders) in reading and/or spelling disorder are often anxiety disorders (about 20%), depressive symptoms (about 40.5%), hyperkinetic disorder or attention/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).