Is dyslexia hereditary? Dyslexia is regarded as a neurobiological condition that is genetic in origin. This means that individuals can inherit this condition from a parent and it affects the performance of the neurological system (specifically, the parts of the brain responsible for learning to read).

Does dyslexia come from mother or father?

The exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, but it often appears to run in families. Its thought certain genes inherited from your parents may act together in a way that affects how some parts of the brain develop during early life.

Is dyslexia a dominant gene?

There isnt a single “dyslexia gene”. At this point, over 40 genes have been linked to dyslexia in some way! Each gene probably only has a small effect on its own. In a genetically complex disorder like this one, there isnt really a single “dominant” or “recessive” gene.

How does dyslexia run in families?

Dyslexia tends to run in families. It appears to be linked to certain genes that affect how the brain processes reading and language, as well as risk factors in the environment.

Is there a genetic test for dyslexia?

A Simple Test to Identify Children with Dyslexia at Birth According to an article by Sandra Blakeslee in The New York Times, a genetic test for dyslexia should be available within a year -- or less. The test involves a simple cheek swab. Pediatricians will be able to accurately identify children with dyslexia at birth.

Will my child inherit dyslexia?

Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.