Dyslexia, also known as
reading disorder, is characterized by trouble with
reading despite normal
intelligence. Different people are affected to varying degrees. Problems may include difficulties in
spelling words, reading quickly,
writing words, "sounding out" words in the head, pronouncing words when reading aloud and understanding what one reads. Often these difficulties are first noticed at school. When someone who previously could read loses their ability, it is known as
alexia. The difficulties are involuntary and people with this disorder have a normal desire to
learn.