An Introduction to Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Difficulties, which affect the learning process, may be in reading, spelling, writing and numeracy. It also affects concentration, memory, behaviour and self-esteem. It may affect motor skills, levels of organisation and sense of time. Strengths may be in areas of creativity, visual skills, spatial skills and lateral thinking. What may start as a learning difference quickly becomes a learning difficulty if dyslexia, mild, moderate or severe, goes unrecognised and the teaching is inappropriate. Early intervention is the goal.
A formal diagnosis of dyslexia can only be made by an educational psychologist, after a full assessment of intelligence, underlying cognitive skills, and academic attainments. An educational psychologist will be looking for a discrepancy between intelligence and attainment; a particular pattern of sub-skills and certain types of reading and spelling errors. A detailed written report should be made available to parents.
“Based on government-sponsored studies, the British Dyslexia Association
estimates that 10% of children will have some degree of dyslexia, while
about 4% will be severely affected. Most will need some special teaching
at some time during their life, but the most severely affected may need
such help throughout their education, with support even at college and
university. A distinguishing characteristic of dyslexia is its persistence
throughout life. A child does not “grow out of it” ….. appropriate specialist
teaching and the use of coping strategies can moderate its effects
significantly.”
(From The Dyslexia Handbook 1995 published by the BDA).
More boys than girls are identified at present, but current thinking is that there are actually a large number of undiagnosed female dyslexics. Dyslexia is known to frequently occur in families and more than one child may be affected.
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