What is Dyslexia?
An Introduction to Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also have an impact on other areas, such as organisational skills.
Thinking differently can be a positive attribute, and often, children with dyslexia have strengths in areas such as design, problem solving and creativity.
Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them. As such, each person will show a unique set of strengths and challenges. However, if you know what to look for, there are common signs that can help you identify whether the difficulties experienced are consistent with a dyslexic profile. In such cases, further investigation could be beneficial.
What are the signs?
Experience difficulties learning to read, write and spell.
Find it challenging to remember sequences such as the alphabet and months of the year.
Experience difficulties copying accurately from the board or textbook.
Experience difficulties remembering and following oral instructions.
Taking longer than average to get started or complete written work.
A discrepancy between their oral skills and the ability to record their thoughts on paper.
Experience a lack of self-confidence and increasing frustration.
In other ways be a bright and alert child.
Primary School Aged Learners
A tendency to read inaccurately and without adequate comprehension.
Inconsistent spelling.
Difficulty with planning and writing essays.
Difficulty getting started and completing work.
A tendency to get ‘tied up’ using long words, e.g. preliminary, philosophical.
A tendency to confuse verbal instructions, places, times and dates.
Greater difficulty in learning a foreign language.
Low self-esteem.
Frustration which has led to behavioural or emotional difficulties.
Disorganised at home and school.
Secondary School Aged Learners
