IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHICAGO, THE MAYOR, THE TEACHERS UNION, IT IS GLOBAL WITH MANY STUDIES CONDUCTED IN SWEDEN.
Dyslexia
Known as the silent epidemic, dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties (Hersh et al., 2015; Shields & Flanders, 2021; Society for Neuroscience, 2004). Approximately 5% to 20% of Americans have dyslexia, representing 16 to 65 million children and adults (Romberg et al., 2016; Society for Neuroscience, 2004). Dyslexia is characterized by a deficit in phonological awareness, specifically an ability to associate spoken words with written language (Society for Neuroscience, 2004). It also involves a significant difficulty with speed and accuracy of word decoding (Romberg et al., 2016; Siegel, 2006).
Often called “dumb” or “lazy” despite a normal IQ, children and adolescents with dyslexia may develop low self-worth and lack confidence. They may also experience shame and have limited social support. Their low self-esteem is perpetuated, and they may pose a socioeconomic burden. Youth with untreated dyslexia are more likely than peers without dyslexia to drop out of high school and become unemployed, underemployed, or incarcerated (Hulme & Snowling, 2016; Society for Neuroscience, 2004).
The gene on the short arm (p) of chromosome 6 is associated with dyslexia (Cope et al., 2005). Since chromosome 6 is dominant, dyslexia is strongly heritable, occurring in up to 50% of individuals who have a first-degree relative with dyslexia (Gaab, 2017). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with dyslexia, as 20% to 40% of people with dyslexia have concurrent ADHD (Society for Neuroscience, 2004). We have previously reported the association between dyslexia and low health literacy, highlighting the strategies to enhance comprehension in the health care setting for patients with dyslexia (Shields & Flanders, 2021).
Of the 80% of prisoners who are reportedly functionally illiterate, Moody et al. hypothesized that poor single word decoding (the primary feature of dyslexia) accounts for a significant percentage of this rate. Additionally, those with dyslexia may suffer from chronic diseases congruent with their limited health literacy.
Dyslexia
Known as the silent epidemic, dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties (Hersh et al., 2015; Shields & Flanders, 2021; Society for Neuroscience, 2004). Approximately 5% to 20% of Americans have dyslexia, representing 16 to 65 million children and adults (Romberg et al., 2016; Society for Neuroscience, 2004). Dyslexia is characterized by a deficit in phonological awareness, specifically an ability to associate spoken words with written language (Society for Neuroscience, 2004). It also involves a significant difficulty with speed and accuracy of word decoding (Romberg et al., 2016; Siegel, 2006).
Often called “dumb” or “lazy” despite a normal IQ, children and adolescents with dyslexia may develop low self-worth and lack confidence. They may also experience shame and have limited social support. Their low self-esteem is perpetuated, and they may pose a socioeconomic burden. Youth with untreated dyslexia are more likely than peers without dyslexia to drop out of high school and become unemployed, underemployed, or incarcerated (Hulme & Snowling, 2016; Society for Neuroscience, 2004).
The gene on the short arm (p) of chromosome 6 is associated with dyslexia (Cope et al., 2005). Since chromosome 6 is dominant, dyslexia is strongly heritable, occurring in up to 50% of individuals who have a first-degree relative with dyslexia (Gaab, 2017). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with dyslexia, as 20% to 40% of people with dyslexia have concurrent ADHD (Society for Neuroscience, 2004). We have previously reported the association between dyslexia and low health literacy, highlighting the strategies to enhance comprehension in the health care setting for patients with dyslexia (Shields & Flanders, 2021).
Dyslexia in the Incarcerated Population
No national studies have been performed that report the incidence of dyslexia in the prison system. In Moody et al.'s (2000) survey of 253 individuals incarcerated in Texas, 47.8% of respondents were deficient in word decoding and two-thirds scored poorly in reading comprehension. Interestingly, 63% of African American respondents had decoding skill scores below the 25th percentile of the Woodcock reference norms for the general population compared with Hispanic and Caucasian respondents (38% and 33%, respectively).Of the 80% of prisoners who are reportedly functionally illiterate, Moody et al. hypothesized that poor single word decoding (the primary feature of dyslexia) accounts for a significant percentage of this rate. Additionally, those with dyslexia may suffer from chronic diseases congruent with their limited health literacy.
