Ep 13. How the Brain Learns to Read

The dyslexic brain and non-dyslexic brain are not the same. The dyslexic brain not only processes language differently, it's also structurally different. For instance, when it comes to reading and writing, dyslexic brains utilize both sides of their brain unlike non-dyslexic readers who only use the left side of their brain. Dyslexic brains are also structurally different; they have an extra layer of neurons called ectopias.

Reading is not a natural function of the brain. Unlike oral language, the brain has no dedicated area for reading, it needs to borrow from other areas. The area of the brain used for facial recognition is repurposed to learn to recognize letters. This means, as we learn to read, our ability to recognize faces weakens. In this episode we break down the Science of Reading (the study of how all people learn to read, regardless of age) and provide a foundation for understanding the differences between how a dyslexic and non-dyslexic brain processes reading and writing. 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• Why reading is not natural to how our brains process information
• Science of Reading (SOR); it's history and recent research
• Why our facial recognition weakens as we learn to read
• The process of recognizing letter shapes and then connecting those letters to speech sounds
• How the brain adapts overtime to read faster and stronger

Resources Mentioned:

• IEP Snapshot 
• 12 Questions PDF
• 12 Questions Podcast
• Reading in the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene

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