- Dyslexia is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling and writing. It is a persistent condition. Accompanying weaknesses may be identified in areas of speed of processing, short-term memory, organisation, sequencing, spoken language and motor skills. There may be difficulties with auditory and / or visual perception. It is particularly related to mastering and using written language, which may include alphabetic, numeric and musical notation.
Dyslexia can occur despite normal intellectual ability and teaching. It is constitutional in origin, part of one's make-up and independent of socio-economic or language background.
Some learners have very well developed creative skills and / or interpersonal skills, others have strong oral skills. Some have no outstanding talents. All have strengths.
(British Dyslexia Association Handbook 2006)
There is no cure for dyslexia but with the right kind of teaching and support, dyslexics can overcome their difficulties and achieve great things.
Famous dyslexics include: Richard Rogers, Toyah Willcox, Tommy Hilfiger, Zoe Wanamaker, Susan Hampshire, Disney, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie.
It is estimated that dyslexia affects as many as 1 in 10 of the population to some degree. One person in 25 is severely dyslexic and needs specialist help throughout their life. Research shows that about half of all dyslexic people have a family history of difficulties with written language or speech. As with all specific learning difficulties, dyslexia is identified more frequently in males.