Complexity of information processing in dyslexic people

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the acquisition of reading and writing skills, is rooted in the complexity of information processing in the brain. Although historically it has been associated mainly with academic challenges, the reality is that dyslexia impacts information processing in a variety of ways.

In this session, we will explore the complex nature of information processing in dyslexic people, breaking down how these complexities affect not only reading and writing, but also other cognitive and emotional aspects.

Dyslexia as a Challenge in Information Processing

Dyslexia manifests itself as a specific challenge in information processing. The areas of the brain responsible for reading and writing present difficulties in the integration and decoding of information, giving rise to the most visible characteristics of the disorder. One of the fundamental aspects of information processing affected in dyslexic people is phonological decoding. The ability to associate sounds with written symbols presents difficulties, which directly affects the ability to read words fluently. In addition to phonological decoding, visual and spatial processing plays a crucial role in dyslexia. Difficulties in the perception of letters and words in a visual space, as well as problems with spatial orientation, contribute to reading challenges. Working memory, a cognitive function essential for retaining and manipulating information in the short term, is also affected in people with dyslexia. Limitations in this area complicate the retention of letters, words and sequences, which impacts both reading and writing. Non-linear and associative processing is a distinctive feature of dyslexia. Although it can be challenging in conventional educational contexts, this unique way of processing information can have benefits for creativity and problem solving. Processing speed is also affected in dyslexic people. The need to process information more slowly can impact on reading and writing fluency, which in turn can affect the understanding and expression of ideas.

Impact on Attention and Concentration

Dyslexia has a direct impact on attention and concentration. The need to work harder to process visual and phonological information can exhaust attention span, leading to difficulties in retaining and understanding content. The complexity of information processing in dyslexic people has direct connections with anxiety and self-esteem. Persistent challenges in the academic environment and the perception of difficulties can affect confidence in one's abilities and generate anxiety associated with learning. Integration of contextual information is a cognitive process that often presents challenges for dyslexic people. Difficulty in quickly processing textual information can affect understanding of the context and, therefore, the correct interpretation of the information. The organization of ideas, both in reading and writing, can be a complicated process for people with dyslexia. The need to process each component individually can make it difficult to create a logical and coherent structure.

Consequences for the Learning Process

The complexities of information processing have direct consequences for the learning process. People with dyslexia may require adaptive pedagogical approaches that specifically address these difficulties, promoting effective and meaningful learning.

Addressing Dyslexia in a Comprehensive Way

To address dyslexia in a comprehensive way, it is necessary to:

• Multisensory Approaches: Integrate multisensory approaches that address both phonological and visual-spatial difficulties.

• Curricular Adaptations: Implement curricular adaptations that allow for slower and more reflective processing of information.

• Psychological Support: Offer psychological support to address anxiety and strengthen self-esteem in people with dyslexia.