What is Dyslexia?

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So what is Dyslexia?

The Dyslexia Institute (now Dyslexia Action) definition of 2002 is as follows:

"Dyslexia causes difficulties in learning to read, write and spell.

Short-term memory, mathematics, concentration, personal organisation and sequencing may also be affected.

Dyslexia usually arises from a weakness in the processing of language-based information.

Biological in origin, it tends to run in families, but environmental factors also contribute.

Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual ability.

It is not the result of poor motivation, emotional disturbance, sensory impairment or lack of opportunities, but it may occur alongside any of these.

The effects of dyslexia can be largely overcome by skilled specialist teaching and the use of compensatory strategies“.

Some common strengths
he has a good visual eye
he may be able to arrange the furniture in the classroom very effectively
is very imaginative and skilful with his hands
he may be able to make the best models
he is practical
he may be able to work the computer before the others - even perhaps repair it.
he may be able to start the car when others have failed
he is mad on sport and may excel at individual sports
he has a fantastic imagination
he may be able to tell wonderful stories if his long-term memory is good.

In short, the main problems or common signs of dyslexia are:

difficulties in learning to read, write and spell
poor sequencing skills
poor auditory discrimination and memory
poor visual discrimination and memory
poor short term memory
poor self-confidence

Thank you to Dyslexia Action.

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