What is Dyslexia?

The word ‘Dyslexia’ derives from Greek and means 'difficulty with words'.  Dyslexia is an 'umbrella term' for a specific learning difficulty which mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills, but which can manifest itself in a number of different ways.  It is likely to be present at birth and lifelong in its effects.  It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities.  It tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but its effects can be mitigated by appropriately specific intervention, including the application of information technology and supportive counselling.

Some of the possible difficulties that someone with Dyslexia might have can be: reading hesitantly; misreading, which will make understanding difficult; difficulty with sequences, e.g. the order of dates, poor organisation or time management; difficulty organising thoughts clearly; erratic spelling; difficulty with mathematics.  It is important to point out that people with Dyslexia might have one of or a combination of these symptoms.  They do not have to have all of these difficulties to be diagnosed with Dyslexia.  Equally, if a person has a difficulty in one of these areas, it does not necessarily mean that they have Dyslexia.

Source: BDA

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Sources: Dyslexic Friends (website); Being Dyslexic (website)