1.1.2 Functional resilience

Did you know that conditions like colour-blindness are more common in males? This is due to genes on the X chromosome. Females generally have two X chromosomes (one from each parent), so if one has a problematic gene, the other can often compensate. Males, usually having only one X chromosome, don’t have this backup. Future research in this area could reveal some intriguing results.

Interestingly, no specific X-linked genes have been found for dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, or autism. Scientists believe these conditions involve many genes and environmental factors. Studies suggest that females might need a stronger genetic predisposition for these conditions to show up.

This hints at some kind of protective factor(s) in females, but we don’t yet know what this could be. More research is needed to uncover the genetic basis of dyslexia.