Even though dyslexia and dysorthographia are two written-language learning disorders, their underlying pathology is different. Both lasting, they should not be mistaken for a simple delay or blockage: stemming from an anomaly in the child’s cognitive development, they require, at the very least, therapeutic support from a speech and language therapist to relieve their symptoms. A closer look at their similarities and differences.
Two written-language learning disorders
Dyslexia and dysorthographia, along with dysgraphia, cover the written-language learning difficulties. Like other DYS disorders (dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysphasia, ADHD), they are lasting in nature and do not stem from any cerebral, neurological, psychological or psychiatric impairment.
While the origin of these difficulties remains unclear, certain factors are thought to increase the likelihood of their occurrence, such as a written-language disorder in a close family member (sibling, parent) or a lack of value placed on writing and reading within the family.
The French health-insurance website Ameli cites some telling figures: “A child with a parent who has dyslexia is 80 times more likely to develop it. In addition, 50% of preschool children with oral expression disorders (speech delay, articulation disorders, dysphasia) are at risk of later developing dyslexia.”[1]
Dyslexia and dysorthographia, different difficulties
Although it can take different forms, dyslexia is a reading disorder: the child struggles to decode text (auditory, phonetic and visual confusion, slow, hesitant, jerky reading, additions and substitutions, omissions or reversals of syllables…) and has trouble understanding it.
Dysorthographia, on the other hand, is a writing disorder: the child has difficulty encoding text (spelling mistakes, grammar, conjugation, analysis, poor identification of homophones, omission of letters, random word breaks…). Note the difference between dysorthographia and dysgraphia, the latter focusing on handwriting itself (malformed letters, illegible, disordered writing).
Dyslexia and dysorthographia are often linked: it is rare for children with dysorthographia not to also have reading problems. Conversely, a dyslexic child will always show some degree of dysorthographia, whether mild or severe.
Screening, to support your child with DYS
As lasting written-language learning disorders, dyslexia and dysorthographia do not resolve with time. Beyond academic difficulties, they can give rise to social and psychological problems. Fortunately, appropriate support can help your child relieve their symptoms and learn to compensate for their difficulties.
It is absolutely essential to diagnose them as early as possible. They are generally observed at the point of first contact with reading and writing. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to take your child to a speech and language therapist: there are several tests adapted to different ages, such as ODEDYS for dyslexia, ERTLA6 for 6-year-olds, or ERTL4 for 4-year-olds.
[1] Citation: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/troubles-langage-ecrit/definition-consequences-facteurs-favorisants
