About Dyslexia
What Is Dyslexia?
Did you know that dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 10 people in the UK, impacting over 6 million people? It is the most common of the Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) and is often hereditary.
Dyslexia is a hidden disability, meaning its effects are not immediately visible. It primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Individuals with dyslexia might mix up letters within words or words within sentences while reading. They may also find spelling challenging, with common issues like letter reversals.
According to the Rose Report (1999), dyslexia is described as a specific learning difficulty that significantly impacts literacy development. However, dyslexia is not limited to reading and writing challenges. It also affects how information is processed, stored, and retrieved, which can lead to difficulties with memory, speed of processing, time perception, organization, and sequencing. Some individuals may also struggle with navigation, such as following routes or distinguishing left from right.
Support for Your Child, Young People, and Families
"If you can’t learn to read, you can’t read to learn."
In every classroom, two to three children may struggle to learn to read and write. While many can progress with good phonics-based teaching, children with more severe dyslexic needs require specialized instruction. Unfortunately, many of these children do not receive the necessary support due to a shortage of trained specialists, causing their difficulties to go unnoticed or unexplained.
Without proper identification and support, dyslexia can become a barrier to learning, leading to school avoidance, exclusion, antisocial behaviour, or even depression. For children who struggle, their behavior and confidence can suffer significantly.
Positive Aspects of Dyslexia
It’s important to recognize that dyslexia also brings unique strengths. People with dyslexia are often highly creative, excellent problem solvers, and can think outside the box. They frequently excel in areas like storytelling, design, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Research by Made By Dyslexia, a global charity led by successful dyslexic individuals, highlights that many of the world’s greatest innovators, including Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, were dyslexic.
According to Made By Dyslexia, dyslexic thinking is a valuable asset in the 21st century. Their research shows that dyslexic individuals often possess skills in critical thinking, creativity, and reasoning that are crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. The charity advocates for a shift in focus from viewing dyslexia as a disability to recognizing it as a different and valuable way of thinking.
At Learning with Dyslexia Ltd, we understand the importance of early identification and support, as well as the need to celebrate the strengths that dyslexic individuals bring to the table. We are committed to providing the specialized teaching that your child needs to unlock their potential and thrive, both in school and in life.