Dyslexia and Stuttering: An Overview of Processing Deficits and the Relationship Between Them

Stuttering and dyslexia are two processing deficits that have an impact on a person's social and academic lives, especially as they usually affect the pediatric population more than adults. Even though they affect different domains, they have similar characteristics in their pathogenesis, epidemiology, and impact on life. Both disorders represent a considerable percentage of the population worldwide and locally in Saudi Arabia, and they have similar epidemiological trends. Family history, genetic factors, early fetal and neonatal factors, and environmental factors are all identified as risk factors for both conditions. Moreover, it has been established that both diseases share a common genetic and anatomical basis, along with a mutual disruption of diadochokinetic skills. While rehabilitative techniques can be used in both conditions, stuttering could also benefit from pharmacological interventions. This review emphasizes that extensive research should be done to explore both of these conditions as they impact different areas of one's life and the relationship between them to better understand their pathophysiological origins.