Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty; this means that it affects the way people learn and process information. It is neurological and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a person with dyslexia develops and functions. They process phonological information (sound-based information) in a different part of the brain compared to non- dyslexics. It is also believed to be hereditary meaning it runs in families.
Each individual will experience dyslexia differently and have a unique mix of abilities and difficulties. It is believed that around 10% of the UK population has dyslexia ranging from mild to severe.
Spreading awareness
It’s important to spread awareness about dyslexia so it is understood more, and people can spot the signs and get a diagnosis. This will open up a world of support and allows accessibility to resources and ways of doing things to be easier.
Dyslexia shouldn’t hold a person back, no matter what age. Every year in October there is dyslexia awareness week but we should strive to raise awareness all year round.
Most of us have heard of dyslexia but there are still misconceptions.
Some common myths about dyslexia:
- Dyslexia is a vision problem – people with dyslexia see and write letters and words backwards
Many children commonly reverse letters when writing and confuse word order when reading, but through learning and practice they should outgrow it, so it is not unique to dyslexia. However, people with dyslexia may not advance with their reading so can have difficulties. They can have problems connecting letters with their names, speech sounds or how the hand moves when writing and this is due to the way their brain is wired not because of a vision problem.
- People with dyslexia are less intelligent
Dyslexia does not affect someone’s intelligence and it is not an indication of high or low intelligence.
- People can grow out of dyslexia
Dyslexia does not go away but with the right support it can help someone overcome their difficulties. Intervening at a young age can make a big difference in the child’s ability to read, write and spell.
- Dyslexia affects more boys than girls
It is believed that symptoms are more likely to be noticed in boys when they are younger compared to girls and therefore, they are more likely to be referred for an early diagnosis.
- Dyslexia only affects reading, writing and spelling
Dyslexia is linked to many other developmental areas such as coordination, memory and organisation.
Why is a dyslexia diagnosis important?
The importance of early detection of dyslexia shouldn’t be exaggerated, dyslexia can have a profound impact on the ability to read and write and without support it can lead to a challenging education. Dyslexic children may experience social and emotional difficulties and the condition may have an impact on performance in later life such as in University or the workplace.
Dyslexia can be diagnosed in adults, not just in children. People might have struggled but the signs may have been missed or support absent. This is why it is so important to get an early diagnosis so you can access support and feel more confident.
About Dyslexia First
Dyslexia First provides first-class dyslexia assessments for children and adults across the North West.
Owner Michala Morton has worked in the field of Special Needs for over 20 years, across a wide range of educational settings, and works closely with The British Dyslexia Association and The Dyslexia Association assessing children and adults.
Based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, Dyslexia First is conveniently accessible by train, linking to Central Liverpool, Manchester and cities within an hour’s commute.
By helping you to get the right support, a world of possibilities will open, that might not have seemed accessible before.
Contact us to discuss your assessment needs at michala@dyslexia-first.co.uk or call 07711 904 589.
