Dyslexia is a learning disability that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It is estimated that up to 1 in 10 people struggle with dyslexia, and it is common in both children and adults.
Below we introduce you to dyslexia, answering your common questions around the disability.
What does dyslexia mean?
As a Greek word meaning ‘difficulty with words’, dyslexia was first associated as a learning disability in 1887 when a German ophthalmologist, Rudolf Berlin, used it in place of ‘word blindness’, after observing the difficulties his patients found when reading.
What are the signs of dyslexia?
The signs will vary between child and adult, and we have a useful checklist on our website.
When a child starts school and begins to learn reading and writing, the signs will become more apparent. They may struggle with letters, simple rhymes (such as cat and mat) and confuse the direction of letters when writing (for example writing ‘big’ instead of ‘dig’).
They’ll understand information verbally, but when it comes to recording it, they may struggle.
In response, individuals with dyslexia tend to naturally gravitate towards other areas such as creative thinking and problem-solving tasks.
How long does dyslexia last?
Dyslexia will most likely accompany the person for their lifetime, but support is available to avoid challenges in a school, work or social environment.
It can also impact the person’s confidence and self-esteem, making an early assessment and diagnosis is critical so they can access the necessary support.
What does dyslexia feel like?
This video explains the feelings, emotions and struggles an individual with dyslexia experiences each day, and how a dyslexia assessment helped him understand why he felt different to other children in the school.
Dyslexia Explained | What’s It Like Being Dyslexic? | Understand Dyslexia – YouTube
Can dyslexia be cured?
No, dyslexia can’t be cured but dyslexic individuals can learn methods to help them in everyday tasks.
How can I get an assessment?
The best place to start is at your child’s school. Speak to the teachers and SENCo about any concerns or problem areas.
