What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that interferes especially with the learning of reading and spelling. However it may also be difficult to remember multiplication tables, sequences such as months of the year and telephone numbers and postcodes. A survey of relevant areas of research interest, compiled for teachers in specialist training, may be found in Turner and Rack (2004).¹ Dyslexic children make most progress when the condition is detected early. At this stage (4-7 years) they confuse and reverse letters and numbers, make speech errors and begin to feel a sense of inadequacy at school. But at this stage skilled specialist teaching can lay the necessary foundations, through so-called multi-sensory teaching, so as to prevent later loss of self-esteem and the necessity to undo ingrained faulty habits.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which specifically affects reading ability in between 5% and 10% of children. It is found in all socio-economic groups and countries. Dyslexics are often above average in other respects, but their reading is unexpectedly poor. Many learn coping strategies, but have continuing difficulties with spelling and writing. They typically also have problems with numbers and other symbols, with making fine distinctions between sounds, and with holding large pieces of information like phone numbers in their memory. Problems with text often go along with advantages in other areas – creativity, empathy and strong visual-spatial skills. The exact pattern of problems and skills varies widely between individuals. Dyslexia is a clear physical syndrome. It affects all levels of intelligence, and is nothing to do with ‘he’s just thick’ or ‘she’s too lazy to try’.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. It accounts for approximately 85% of all people with a learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms resulting in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in other language skills such as spelling, writing, and speaking. Dyslexia is a life-long status, however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment.
