Ten Things: Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling. Dyslexia is characterised by difficulties in processing word-sounds and by weaknesses in short-term verbal memory; its effects may be seen in spoken language as well as written language.

What causes dyslexia?

The current evidence suggests that dyslexia is the result of inefficiencies in the language-processing areas in the left hemisphere of the brain which, in turn, appear to be linked to genetic differences.

Does dyslexia affect intelligence and can it prevent achievement?

It does not affect intelligence – it can occur at any level of intellectual ability. Dyslexia need not, and should not, be a barrier to success. There are many successful dyslexic individuals in all careers. However, the difficulties caused very often put the dyslexic person at a disadvantage and this can prevent and undermine achievement, wasting potential.

Who does dyslexia affect?

Dyslexia occurs regardless of race, age and socio-economic status. However those who are more disadvantaged are likely to be most affected throughout their lives.

How many dyslexic people are there?

Dyslexia is the most common of the learning difficulties affecting up to 10% of the population to some degree – from mild to severe. It affects an estimated 1.2 million children across the UK, an average of two or three children in every classroom.

How is dyslexia diagnosed?

There are several screening tests that will identify those at risk of dyslexia. However, in order for it to be confirmed, the normal referral would be to an educational or occupational psychologist or a specially trained teacher for a diagnostic assessment. The assessment process normally takes a couple of hours and will outline strengths and weaknesses. The assessment will provide a profile that will highlight if the individual has a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, and it will also provide valuable information about an individual’s learning needs.

What difficulties does dyslexia cause?

The number, type and severity of the difficulties experienced by people with dyslexia will vary from one individual to the next, but can include:

- Difficulties with reading

- Difficulties with spelling

- Poor sequencing skills

- Poor short-term memory

- Lack of phonological awareness – ability to break down words and recognise separate units of sound

- Confusion about left and right

- Problems with reading comprehension

- Difficulties with mathematics

- Difficulties with musical notation

- Poor handwriting

- Difficulties expressing thoughts orally

- Poor organisational skills

These can very often lead to frustration, which can be the cause of disruptive and/or bad behaviour; they can also result in a lack of self-esteem and confidence.

What are the signs of dyslexia?

One-size does not fit all and different dyslexic individuals will have different difficulties, but the following are some indicators that might suggest the individual is dyslexic:

- Making unexpected errors when reading aloud, missing words out, reading the wrong word or lacking automaticity when reading

- Taking a long time to read something and understand it

- Having difficulties with spelling

- Having difficulties copying from the board or taking notes / recording information accurately

- Having slow and/or poor handwriting

- Confusing letters and/or numbers, for example, ‘b’ and ‘d’, or ‘9’ and ‘6’

- Struggling to break words down into units of sound (decoding)

- Having difficulties with rhyming

- Having difficulties learning a song

- Spelling the same word in a variety of ways

- Excelling at some things while having unexpected difficulties with others

- Young children may struggle to learn to tell the time and learn things such as times tables, days of the week or months of the year

- Finding it difficult to remember a series of numbers, such as a telephone number

- Finding it difficult to remember a list of instructions

- Confusing left and right

- Appearing to have miss-heard what has been asked

- Having similar difficulties to one or more blood-relatives

What help and support is available?

Dyslexia cannot be cured, but the its effects can be alleviated. International evidence-based methods show that specialist, structured, multi-sensory teaching, that is designed to meet the needs of the individual, not only helps to improve the difficulties that dyslexia causes but also to improve general literacy . Dyslexia is life-long but with the correct systems in place it need not present barriers and it is possible for those that struggle to learn to cope with and overcome their difficulties.

Where can I find out more?

Dyslexia Action – the working name for Dyslexia Institute Ltd – is a national charity and the UK’s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. It specialises in assessment, teaching and training. They also develop and distribute teaching materials and undertake research. Dyslexia Action partners with schools, LEAs, colleges, universities, employers, voluntary sector organisations and Government to improve the quality and quantity of help for people with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Dyslexia Action’s services are available through its 26 centres and 160 teaching locations around the UK. Over half a million people benefit from its work each year.

Dyslexia Action

01784 222 300, www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk.

Other sources of information include:

British Dyslexic Association

0845 251 9002, www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

British Dyslexics

www.dyslexia.uk.com

Being Dyslexic

07745 029 872, www.beingdyslexic.co.uk