Dyslexia affects an estimated 10% of the population. As each person’s brain is unique, so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia. Dyslexia often co-occurs with other neurodiverse conditions such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism. A family history of these conditions increases the likelihood of dyslexia. Speech and language delay/difficulties may also be an early indicator. If you google what dyslexia is you will find many different definitions and many myths, so I have tried to use my 15 years of experience working within the industry to provide some clarity.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that primarily affect accurate and fluent reading and spelling. Key diagnostic features include deficits in:
- phonological awareness: the ability to accurately identify, discriminate between and manipulate sounds in words.
- phonological memory: the ability to hold a sound briefly and repeat it.
- rapid naming: fluent retrieval of phonological information from long term memory.
Many people with dyslexia also experience difficulties with:
- working memory: the ability to maintain and manipulate information in active attention.
- orthographic processing: the ability to recall letter orientation, spelling patterns, and words with accuracy and speed.
The impact on the individual will depend upon the severity of these difficulties.
Symptoms of Dyslexia in Primary Age Pupils
Writing
- Effortful/untidy handwriting with reversals and poor letter formation
- Difficulty reading back what they have written.
- Spelling a word several different ways within the same piece of writing
- Mis-sequencing letters when spelling (eg ‘two’ spelt ‘tow’)
- Written work is often weaker compared to verbal ability.
Reading
- Early reliance on decoding letter by letter, affecting reading fluency.
- Difficulties with reading accuracy: missing out/adding ‘small words’, guessing words and skipping lines.
- Word reversals (eg ‘was/saw’, ‘who/how’)
Memory and concentration
- Difficulty remembering instructions and staying on task.
- Frequent need for repetition of information.
- Challenges learning sequences (days of the week, alphabet etc).
- Struggling with organisation.
Speech and Language
- Difficulties with word retrieval
- Difficulties with pronunciation, particularly of longer, multi-syllabic words.
Maths
- Trouble sequencing and learning/retaining concepts. Number bonds, times tables and telling the time are often areas of particular difficulty.
Mental Health
- Increased anxiety and low self-esteem.
Useful Links:
Assistive technology can be a complete gamechanger and Call Scotland is a fantastic resource.
For general advice and information: British Dyslexia Association and Made by Dyslexia
For lists of assessors and tutors: Patoss and SASC
Try also local charities, such as: DEKS
Or send me an email and I would be more than happy to answer any questions.
