Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological aspects of dyslexia

Reading disability or dyslexia is estimated to affect approximately 2% to 8% of school-aged children with longstanding effects evident in adulthood as well. Historically, it has been presumed that learning disabilities, including dyslexia, are due to a disruption in underlying neurological systems. The research findings from autopsy studies, neuroimaging, functional imaging, and electrophysiological measures specific to dyslexia have provided a better understanding of the reading process and, in particular, the reading process of children and adults with dyslexia. These studies, providing impressive evidence of the presumed neurological origin of dyslexia, are reviewed and implications relating to theoretical models of reading are discussed.