YOUR DYSLEXIC CHILD
THE IMPACT OF NUTRITION, EXERCISE, AND OTHER HEALTH MEASURES ON READING SUCCESS
BY GEORGIE NORMAND, M.A.
Since dyslexia is neurobiological in origin and brain differences can be seen on MRIs as early as infancy, many parents wonder if there is any way to improve intervention outcomes through nutrition or other health related measures. In addition to structural brain differences, dyslexia is characterized by reduced plasticity and connectivity in the brain, all of which come together to make learning to read difficult.
These differences are not related to IQ and children with dyslexia may even score in the high IQ range while struggling to become proficient in reading. We know that early screening and evidence-based dyslexia interventions are critical for both preventing and remediating reading failure, but can other measures help to accelerate a child's progress in reading?
NUTRITION AND THE BRAIN
Even though the role of nutrition in dyslexia is an emerging science, from studies that already exist about nutrition and the brain, we can conclude that good nutrition can only help in dyslexia, as it helps with so many other aspects of overall health. The results from studies on nutrition and the aging brain present promising data on the link between nutrition and a wide range of brain functionalities. It is already well established that diet and nutrition play an important role in structural brain plasticity, the development of gray matter volume, and the maintenance of white matter integrity.
Much has been said about omega-3 supplementation for dyslexia. Even though recent evidence suggests there is a connection between defects in highly unsaturated fatty acid metabolism and neurodevelopmental disorders, when supplementation has been studied, evidence supporting it has been limited. More studies are needed before it can be recommended as beneficial for dyslexia.
Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and problems with executive function are com