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Dyslexia gene discovery brings hope to sufferers
Danny Brierley01.10.08
The gene linked to dyslexia has been identified which scientists said today could lead to better treatment for millions of sufferers.
Findings from a team at Oxford University showed that early identification of the gene in young children could help them cope with the condition.
It could also help children born with the condition to learn to read and write more easily and lead to improved general treatment of dyslexia which - although not linked in any way to intelligence - disrupts a child's ability to read and write.
The team behind the findings said that the gene which they identified is carried by about 15 per cent of the British population.
Dr Silvia Paracchini, from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics at Oxford, said: "On average, people carrying this common genetic variant tended to perform poorly on tests of reading ability.
"However, it is important to note that this is only true for reading ability and not for IQ, so it doesn't appear to be connected to cognitive impairment."
The study was based on 6,000 British children aged between seven and nine, and part of a wider investigation that has been monitoring the health and development of 14,000 mothers and their children for the past 18 years.
Scientists say it was already known that a particular DNA pattern was linked to reduced activity during development in the womb. The mutation affects the cerebral cortex, the section of the brain responsible for thought processes.
Professor Margaret Snowling, vicepresident of the British Dyslexia Association, said: "The finding of a gene associated with reading ability in the general population as well as in dyslexia is in line with our observation that there are degrees of dyslexia from mild to severe. It also implies that there are other genes or environmental experiences which must be involved in determining reading ability.
"This ties in with what we have known for many years - some individuals are able to compensate and go onto successful careers even though they carry this gene variation."
According to Professor Snowling, early identification of the KIAA0319 gene could "lead to positive outcomes for literacy and other skills".
Reader views (3)
My late husband was diagnosed with dyslexia as a teen. I had three children,one had dyslexia in what I was told the most classic textbook form they had ever seen.Another has not got dyslexia as bad. They both work construction for the same company with the first as foreman on the job.Both make above average income for our community. They both are overachievers in other areas.
- Kathryn Hawkins, Roxboro.N.C. United States
I am a 48 year old male, soon to be turning 49 years old in November. I found out that I was dyslexic in 1967/1968 school year. I was in the second grade. Reading, writing and math were very difficult for me and a lot of things in life can be very challanging and frustrating too. Hoping that there could be an easier way to cope with being a dyslexic person and read better. I only can read at 6th grade level and understand at the 5th grade level and spell at the 5th grade level too.
- Robert Boyes, Vancouver, Washington USA
My daughter who is now 40, was born with this complaint and it was not until she was 9 that it was diagnosed. In her nursery years she excelled in her ability to understand and obey instructions and it was thought she was going to be able to read and write without any trouble. She memorised her first book in nursery and everything seemed wonderful. At school she still excelled and memorised her books, she did this until she was in her third year and then everything fell apart. The teachers and us, her family, could not understand what had happened, however, after lots of meetings and tests it was found out that she had dyslexia. She had special reading and writing classes at home and at school and eventually caught up a little. She went onto Secondary education and left school with just a few certificates. She is now the owner of a restaurant and is married with a family. She is a successful adult with a lovely nature. Please give this example to children who cannot see a successful future for themselves, because it is so hard for them to understand what is wrong with them and they keep it under their hats for many years. Good luck to all sufferers, things get better all the time.
- Carol Lee, Wembley, Middlesex
