Dyslexia usually manifests itself from the moment a child starts to read, and early diagnosis is key to implementing personalized reading strategies. However, dyslexia can sometimes be hard to diagnose, as it might be mistaken for a lack of motivation or a comprehension problem, and often overlaps with other learning difficulties (e.g., ADHD). As a result, dyslexia may be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life, meaning that interventions can’t be started immediately. Adults may also develop difficulties in reading after a brain injury or a stroke, but this is referred to as alexia in medical terms.[1]
Can you develop dyslexia as an adult?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Dyslexia typically appears in childhood, which makes early diagnosis crucial for effective intervention, but it can be misdiagnosed or not identified until later in life. Adults may experience reading difficulties due to brain injuries or strokes, which are classified as alexia rather than dyslexia.