Dysorthography: is it hereditary

Have you always struggled with spelling, and so has your child? This is probably no coincidence. Dysorthography, like the other dys disorders, has a hereditary component. But heredity does not mean destiny. Here is what we know, and what it concretely means for your family. Useful information, especially if you have several children.

A disorder that runs in families

Speech and language therapists see this very often: when a child is diagnosed with dysorthography or dyslexia, a parent recognises having had the same difficulties at school, without ever having been diagnosed. These parents often recognise themselves in their child’s difficulties.

Siblings are also more often affected than average. Sometimes it is an uncle, a cousin or a grandparent who is remembered as having “not been good at writing”. These are referred to as family history, valuable information for the doctor.

These observations have been confirmed by research: the risk of a written language disorder is markedly higher in a child whose parent is also affected. However, this risk remains a probability, not a certainty.

What research says

Studies of twins are particularly revealing. Identical twins, who share the same genetic make-up, are much more often both affected by a written language disorder than non-identical twins. These studies compare thousands of pairs of twins.

This shows that genetics plays an important role. Researchers have identified several genes associated with dys disorders, but none is enough on its own to explain the disorder. Research is still progressing on this complex question.

Dysorthography is therefore described as multifactorial: several genes increase the likelihood, and other factors, such as the environment and learning, influence how the disorder is expressed. There is therefore no single cause, but a combination of factors.

Heredity does not mean certainty

Having a dysorthographic parent increases the risk, but does not mean that a child will necessarily be affected. Many children of dys parents have no particular difficulties. There is no need to worry excessively, but it is worth staying attentive.

Conversely, a child can be dysorthographic without any member of their family being so, or without anyone knowing, because many adults have never been diagnosed. The disorder is then sometimes discovered in the adult after their child’s diagnosis.

The disorder can also express itself differently from one person to another: a dyslexic parent may have a child who is mainly dysorthographic, or vice versa. Every child has a unique profile. See dysorthography or dyslexia.

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What it means for your other children

If one of your children is dysorthographic, pay close attention to their siblings, especially when they are learning to read and write. Early identification makes it possible to act sooner.

Watch for early signs: difficulties with sounds in nursery school, confusions that persist in Year 1 (CP), very numerous spelling errors in Year 2 (CE1). Do not wait for difficulties to become significant before talking about them. The first signs can be subtle, which is why it is important to stay vigilant.

Tell the doctor and the teacher about family history. This information can help identify a possible disorder earlier. It may also make it possible to act sooner for the younger children. See the signs in nursery school.

And if you are affected yourself

Many parents discover their own difficulties when their child is diagnosed. It is often a strong realisation, sometimes a relief: it was not laziness. This realisation can also ease painful memories of school.

If you think you are dysorthographic, an assessment in adulthood is possible. It can help you better understand your journey and, if needed, obtain adjustments at work. It is carried out by a speech and language therapist, just as in children.

Your experience is also an asset: you understand from the inside what your child is going through. Your tips can also be very helpful to them. See dysorthographic parent: helping your child.

Is a genetic test necessary

No. There is no genetic test to diagnose dysorthography. Diagnosis rests solely on the speech and language assessment and observation of difficulties. Be wary of online testing offers that claim otherwise.

Genetic research serves to better understand the disorder, not to screen for it. Even if risk genes were one day clearly identified, they would not tell whether a child will be dysorthographic. Genetics remains a field of research today.

To find out whether your child is affected, the only route is through the doctor and the speech and language therapist. This assessment is reimbursed on medical prescription. See the speech and language assessment.

How to talk about it as a family

Talking about family history can help your child. Knowing that mum or dad had the same difficulties and made a success of their life is often very reassuring. It shows that one can succeed despite one’s difficulties.

However, avoid presenting the disorder as a fate (“it runs in the family, there’s nothing to be done”). Instead, stress that today we know how to help dys children far better than before. Current solutions are much more effective than in the past.

Sharing your own tips and strategies can also build a lovely closeness. These exchanges often strengthen family bonds. See explaining dysorthography to your child.

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Questions that keep coming up

If I am dysorthographic, will my child be too? ?

Not necessarily. The risk is higher, but many children of dys parents do not have the disorder. Simply stay attentive to the first signs and consult if in doubt. The risk is higher, but nothing is decided in advance.

Is there a genetic test for dysorthography? ?

No. Diagnosis rests solely on a speech and language assessment. Genetics helps to understand the disorder, not to diagnose it. Only professionals can make this diagnosis.

Can my two children have different dys disorders? ?

Yes. Within the same family, one child may be dysorthographic and another dyslexic or dyspraxic. The disorder can also be of very different intensity. Each child should therefore have an assessment suited to their profile.