Is dyslexia inherited from mum and dad?

Dyslexia is a genetic disorder, it can be inherited from mum or dad. This means:

  • If one parent has dyslexia, there is a 50% chance that their child will also have it.
  • If both parents are dyslexic, there is a 75% chance their child will be too.

Researchers have found a link between dyslexia and changes in genes. These changes impact how the brain processes language. These changes can make reading, writing, and spelling difficult for those with dyslexia.

Yet dyslexia is not always genetic and not every child with dyslexic parents will have it. Some children with dyslexia may not have any affected family members. Dyslexia can also occur for other reasons. Such as exposure to toxins or complications during pregnancy.

Does dyslexia run in siblings?

Yes, dyslexia often runs in families. Siblings of dyslexic children are more likely to have it. Research has shown:

  • If one sibling has dyslexia, the chance of another having it is about 40%.
  • This chance rises to around 50% if both parents have got dyslexia.

Is dyslexia maternal or paternal?

Research has shown that dyslexia can arise from a mix of Mum and Dad’s genes. A recent study found that:

  • Mums are more likely to pass dyslexia on to their children.
  • Girls are more likely to inherit the dyslexic gene from their mum.

Yet a child can show signs of dyslexia even if their mum has it and they do not. This could happen because mums spend more time with their young children. This allows the child to mimic how they speak, read, and write.

Spot signs of dyslexia

To learn more about dyslexia, see helpful posts below:

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