Dyslexia. Abstract artwork of a dyslexic boy chasing letters with a butterfly net. He is trying to form words. Dyslexia, sometimes called word blindness, is a developmental disorder affecting a child's ability to read and write. When reading, words appear to move around or disappear and errors are frequently made in spelling. The condition is thought to be of neurological origin. While dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence, it can create serious educational problems. It is also much more common in boys. Treatment includes encouraging the child to practise reading and writing skills as much as possible.