DYSLEXIA: Girls and Boys Brain Anatomy is Different

Recent research showed that there were differences in the genetics of boys and girls with autism. (See Gender Differences in Autism). Now research suggests the same may apply to people with dyslexia.

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center examined MRIs of the brains of males and females with dyslexia. The researchers found a sex specific difference in the brain's anatomy. The study results are published in Brain Structure and Function and suggest that existing male-based brain models of dyslexia may not apply to dyslexic females. (Source.)

Lead author, Tanya Evans, PhD, addressed the importance of studying the differences between the genders as, “There is sex-specific variance in brain anatomy and females tend to use both hemispheres for language tasks, while males just the left. It is also known that sex hormones are related to brain anatomy and that female sex hormones such as estrogen can be protective after brain injury, suggesting another avenue that might lead to the sex-specific findings reported in this study.” (Source)

More research needs to be done in this area but it suggests that the way ADHD is currently diagnosed may need to be adjusted for gender differences.

For more information:

http://www.inquisitr.com/654272/brain-anatomy-of-dyslexia-differs-between-the-sexes/

http://www.medicaldaily.com/articles/15332/20130508/dyslexia-sex-differences-female-brains-wired-differently.htm

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action