Dyslexia Predispostion
We have developed a sensitive, low-cost screening tool that is in clinical studies in a large epidemiological cohort of 10,000 children. This test is currently being optimized, and we anticipate having a validated test in the next 18-24 months. JS Genetics’ test for Dyslexia is based on interrogating (genotyping) the most frequently described susceptibility alleles of the five language/reading related genes that have been identified to date. So far, the Company’s genetic diagnostic test for Dyslexia has shown potential for a high relative predictive value for predisposition to Dyslexia. While our test is NOT a diagnostic for Dyslexia, it will identify at-risk children; these children can then be closely monitored and enrolled in early intervention programs that will help them achieve better treatment outcomes.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Dyslexia is a learning disability that can hinder a person's ability to read, write, spell and sometimes speak. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children—and it persists throughout life. The severity of Dyslexia can vary from mild to severe.
Up to 75% of Dyslexia is due to genetic factors encoded in specific alleles of Dyslexia genes.
Dyslexia is caused by impairment in the brain's ability to translate visual or auditory images into understandable language. It does not result from vision or hearing problems. It is not due to mental retardation, brain damage, nor a lack of intelligence. Even intelligent children with the opportunity to learn will have difficulty learning to read if they have Dyslexia.
The worldwide estimated prevalence of Dyslexia ranges from 5% to 17%. Tragically, Dyslexia is still frequently unrecognized and often leads to academic under-achievement with detrimental social and economic consequences.
Intervention programs work, but are most effective when Dyslexia is diagnosed at an early age. The sooner Dyslexia is treated, the more favorable the outcome; though it is never too late for people with Dyslexia to learn to improve their language skills.
Dyslexia is a difficult disorder to diagnose. It is currently diagnosed through a battery of reading and comprehension tests which usually begin after the patient has started to exhibit learning and behavioral problems. The assessment plan depends on the patient’s specific problems but should include testing in five areas: cognition (intelligence), academic performance, communication, sensory/motor skills and health/developmental status. Testing is typically done by school officials, psychologists and/or health professionals consulted by the parent.
Tests for Dyslexia generally query for cognitive and auditory response to verbal and written inputs. These tests, while reliable, are subjective and effort intensive.
|
