Specific dyslexia with familial neurological defects: A problem in genetic counseling

After having described the clinical picture of specific dyslexia with its visuo-spatial and audio-verbal subtypes, the authors summarize the etiologic hypotheses which are currently accepted, i.e., a cerebral deficit of symbolic integration possibly accompanied by a deficit of visuo-motor organization. they stress the importance of a neuropsychologic test battery in the diagnostic procedure. Problems in genetic counselling, which result from uncertainty concerning the transmission, either irregular autosomal dominant or polygenic, are presented. Two families are described in which, besides proven specific dyslexia, neurological anomalies were seen in the relatives. is it a coincidence or not? the correlation between erratic eye movements and specific dyslexia opens up new perspectives in the diagnostic and etiological approach of this disorder.