Dyslexia: A review of the current neurophysiological and genetic research, secondary comorbidities, and issues related to the possibility of genetic testing for dyslexia

Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder affecting 5–10% of school age children in the United States. Over the last 100 years many advances have been made, but the etiology of dyslexia has remained elusive. Neurobiological studies have been used to provide the first evidence that this disorder is the result of physiological differences in the brain. Several types of genetic studies have been utilized and several potential chromosomal loci have been identified. Once the etiology of dyslexia has been discovered it will be possible to offer genetic testing which will allow at risk children to be diagnosed earlier and personalized treatment programs based on a person's genetic makeup. Earlier diagnose it thought to be essential in preventing or minimizing the severity of the secondary comorbidities that individuals with dyslexia experience. Genetic testing for dyslexia is also going to create new challenges for health care professionals and genetic counselors.