Why might some elements of the test be a problem for dyslexic people?
A lot of people, with dyslexia, have a weaker working memory. Working memory is that part of the memory system responsible for taking in information and manipulating it. Anyone with a weak working memory might have a problem coping with multiple instructions, as happens in the Independent Driving section. This only affects a few people though doesn’t it? No, we’re talking about a lot of people. The genetic predisposition for dyslexia exists in 15 per cent of the population, that’s one in seven of all people. However, the condition covers a range from very slightly to very significantly affected. We believe 10 per cent of people are affected to a practical degree and four per cent of these are seriously impacted. So this may well affect seven million people in the UK. What other issues do dyslexic people have? The condition can confer strengths as well as weaknesses. So dyslexic people can have any or some of the following: Strengths: • creativity • problem solving skills • 3D visualisa
