What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia means 'a difficulty with words' and particularly written words.
But other things may be affected as well: maths, memory and organisation, to name a few.

Dyslexia is often described as 'the way your brain is wired'. It's not something you 'grow out of' or 'cure'.
But people with dyslexia can learn strategies to help with their difficulties.

People with dyslexia do not all have the same way of thinking,
But there are common patterns.

Dyslexia can happen in people of all levels of ability.
Some are very gifted, most are of average ability, some struggle with other aspects of learning, but all have strengths.

Dyslexia is sometimes diagnosed in children soon after they start school
But quite often it is not recognised until much later in life.

A Formal Description of Dyslexia

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 or interpersonal skills, others have strong oral skills. Some have no outstanding talents. All have strengths.

(British Dyslexia Association Handbook 2006)

More about dyslexia

  • 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, Jamie Oliver, Walt 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.
  • 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.