Dyslexia
What is it?
Dyslexia is a learning disability which affects the ability to read fluently and accurately. It is independent of other abilities such as intelligence and creativity.
People with dyslexia often also find it hard to: - Quickly recall words - Follow directions that are given in large chunks instead of step by step
This means that they will struggle in school. Dyslexia often co-occurs with other difficulties such as ADHD or dyspraxia. It is also possible for a person with autism to have dyslexia.
People with dyslexia often also find it hard to:
- quickly recall words
- follow directions that are given in large chunks instead of step by step
This means that they will struggle in school. Dyslexia often co-occurs with other difficulties such as ADHD or dyspraxia.
It is also possible for a person with autism to have dyslexia.
What to look out for
Dyslexia is a hidden disability and cannot be reliably determined without a set of assessments performed by a certified assessor. However, many of the signs below may indicate dyslexia. And even if the person is not dyslexia, they can still benefit from the same strategies.
Look out for:
- Reading hesitantly
- Misreading information
- Difficulty with sequences, for example, getting dates in order
- Poor organisation or time management
- Difficulty organising thoughts clearly
- Erratic spelling
- Difficulty remembering written information
What to do
Use written reminders, Use colour coded calendars with icons, Use mnemonic devices.
Other strategies include:
- Use written reminders
- Use colour coded calendars with icons
- Use mnemonic devices
- Give extra time to process information
- Present information in small chunks
- Use accessible text formatting
- Offer audio alternatives to reading
Related strategies
Who can help
- ๐ British Dyslexia Association
- ๐ Dyslexia Action
FAQs
How many people have dyslexia?
It is estimated that around 10% of the population has dyslexia, with about 4% severely affected.
Can dyslexia be cured?
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support and strategies, people with dyslexia can be very successful.
Is dyslexia related to intelligence?
No. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. Many highly intelligent and successful people have dyslexia.
Related behaviours
Slow reader
Dyslexia affects the speed of processing text. Because individual letters and words take a long time to process, reading a long text is difficult.
Avoids reading
Reading difficulties don't just make reading hard, they make it stressful. A person with dyslexia is often embarrassed because reading is incorrectly linked to intelligence.
Always late
Your client may have problems with reading notes, sequencing, understanding time or following instructions. This could be a sign of dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD.
Can't follow instructions
People with dyslexia struggle with long chains of instructions because of limits on the speed of processing. Someone with dyslexia is still processing the first instruction while you're already on the second one.