What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is characterised by specific problems in learning to read and write. It is best described as a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling and writing.

The word dyslexia is derived from the Greek Language and literally means ‘difficulty with words’.

Dyslexia is a neuro–developmental condition, which means that it is part of the make up of the brain. It is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties, affects men and women in almost equal proportions and tends to be hereditary. It is estimated that up to 1 in every 10 to 20 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia with up to 4% being affected enough to require specialist help.

Although being dyslexic can cause significant problems in the classroom – especially if it is not spotted early in life – it does not hinder the development of intellectual talents. People who are dyslexic are often high achievers in maths, music and creative activities.

It is important to note that dyslexia is not linked to general ability. Dyslexics simply have different brains that find reading, writing and spelling difficult, just as some people find reading or playing music difficult.

Dyslexia can affect:

Working memory
The speed in which they process information
Visual/spatial discrimination
Auditory discrimination
Auditory and visual short-term memory
Storage and retrieval in long term memory
Sequencing

What are the Signs of Dyslexia?

Signs of dyslexia usually become apparent when a child starts school and begins to focus more on learning how to read and write.

A person with dyslexia may:

read and write very slowly
confuse the order of letters in words
put letters the wrong way round – such as writing “b” instead of “d”
have poor or inconsistent spelling
understand information when told verbally, but have difficulty with information that’s written down
find it hard to carry out a sequence of directions
struggle with planning and organisation

Getting Help with Dyslexia

Dyslexia cannot be ‘cured’, but over time different coping strategies can be learnt and are effective.

People who are dyslexic should take advantage of their social, visual and creative talents and reduce reliance on text and documentation. Even though there is no cure for dyslexia, dyslexic individuals can learn to read and write with educational support. There are techniques and technical aids that can manage or even conceal symptoms of the disorder. Removing stress and anxiety alone can improve written comprehension.

Dyslexic people learn by:

Making personal, meaningful connections to secure things in the long-term memory
Remembering patterns rather than sequences
Remembering landmarks rather than directions
Thinking holistically all at once rather than step by step
Learning literacy skills by being interested in the subject
Learning by experience rather than being told

Dyslexia in the Workplace

Dyslexia is a recognised difficulty under Equality Act 2010, meaning employers should ensure that people are not treated unfavourably and are offered reasonable adjustments or support.

Many people in the workplace have not been diagnosed as dyslexic with some not even being aware that they have dyslexic difficulties. Others will have been assessed at some point, but prefer to keep things under wraps for fear of discrimination. There is no legal requirement to disclose to an employer if you are dyslexic. However once the employer has been informed of an employee’s dyslexia they are on notice that they have a duty under the Equality Act.

Reasonable Adjustments should be put in place as soon as possible. Failure to implement Reasonable Adjustments would be a breach of the Equality Act. These are usually not a quick overnight remedy, depending on the individual circumstances, it may take 2 or 3 months for measures to become embedded/effective.

How can you help?

Capitalise on a dyslexics social, visual and creative talents and minimise reliance on text and documentation. By working together to understand the strengths and weaknesses of someone who has dyslexia we can create opportunities to bring out the best in them and everyone they encounter.

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