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What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects accurate and fluent reading and spelling skills. It is not linked to intelligence, educational experience, gender or age. Children with dyslexia may also have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which then affects how they learn and acquire literacy skills. Dyslexia can affect organisation, memory and coordination too. 

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Dyslexia is a neurological difference which can impact a child's education and everyday life. It usually runs in families and is a lifelong condition. Thinking differently can be positive too and it is important to remember that children with dyslexia often have strengths particularly in the areas of reasoning, and in visual and creative fields. ​​

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Signs of Dyslexia

Dyslexia writing on a colourful background

Common signs of dyslexia in children can include:

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Writing:

  • different ways of spelling the same word in a piece of writing

  • standard of written work does not match spoken ability

  • letters or words can be 'jumbled'

  • confuses similar looking letters: b/d, p/g, p/q, n/u, m/w

  • poor handwriting and reversing letters

Reading:

  • reads slowly with no or little expression

  • poor understanding of the text

  • misses out or adds extra words

  • difficulty blending letters together

Maths

  • difficulty remembering things in sequential order e.g. days of the week, times tables

  • place value confusion e.g. knowing the different values of each digit in numbers such as 222 or 193

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Time​

  • difficulty learning to tell the time

  • poor organisation

  • poor time keeping

  • issues with time concepts e.g. yesterday, today, tomorrow

Skills​

  • memory difficulties e.g. for daily routines or rote learning

  • confusion with left/right, up/down, east/west

  • poor motor skills resulting in weakness in speed, accuracy and control of the pencil

Behaviour

  • easily distracted

  • excessively tired due to the concentration and effort required

  • avoids work by e.g. fetching something, sharpening pencil, distracting others​

A range of these difficulties can indicate the need for further investigation such as a Dyslexia Screening Test or a full Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment, particularly if there is a family history of dyslexia and if interventions have not helped. 

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