Dyslexia, a learning disability that causes problems in reading and writing, is common.
Intelligent ability is not affected by dyslexia, which is a form of learning disability. Dyslexia can affect up to 10 percent of people living in the UK.
The lifelong struggle with dyslexia can be a challenge. However, there are ways to help improve your reading skills and make you more successful in school and at work.
Are there any signs that dyslexia can be detected?
When a child begins school and focuses more on reading and writing, signs of dyslexia are often apparent. Someone with dyslexia might:
- Read and write slowly
- You can confuse the order letters are placed in words
- Use letters in an incorrect way (e.g. write ‘b’ instead of?d)
- Poor or inconsistent spelling
- Although they understand what is being said verbally, they have trouble understanding information written down.
- You may find it difficult to complete a set of directions.
- Having trouble with organisation and planning?
- Dyslexic people often possess excellent skills in creative thinking, problem solving and other areas.
Ask for help
You should first speak with your child’s teacher or school’s special education needs coordinator (SENCO), if you suspect your child might have dyslexia. You may find that they can offer you additional help if your child needs it.
If your child still has difficulties, even with extra help, the school or you may wish to ask for a detailed assessment from either a specialist in dyslexia or an educational psychologist.
This can be arranged through the school, or you can request a private assessment by contacting an educational psychologist directly, or a voluntary organisation that can arrange an assessment.
If you are an adult who is interested in dyslexia assessment, please contact your local dyslexia organization.
Assistance for dyslexics
Dyslexic children will likely need more educational support at school.
If your child has the appropriate support, it’s almost impossible for them to go to school. But, some children can benefit from going to specialist schools.
These techniques can help you and your child.
- A specialist teacher may offer 1-to-1 lessons or occasional teaching in small groups.
- Phonics, a technique for learning that helps you identify and understand the sounds of words.
- Technology such as computers or speech recognition software may help your child read and write more easily when they are older.
Specialized staff can also be found at universities to support dyslexics in their higher education.
Adults may also benefit from technology such as electronic organizers or word processors.
Employers must be able to adjust their workplace in a way that helps people with dyslexia. This could include allowing for extra time to complete certain tasks.
Groups of support
There are many local dyslexia associations, in addition to national charities like the British Dyslexia Association (BDA),
These charities are independent registered and run workshops that provide support for local residents and information.
How can dyslexia be caused?
Dyslexic individuals have difficulty recognizing the sounds of words, and relating them to letters.
Dyslexia does not depend on intelligence. Dyslexia can affect children and adults with all levels of intellectual ability.
While the cause of dyslexia remains a mystery, it is often seen in family members.
Some genes passed down from parents could influence how certain parts of your brain develop in early life.
Source: NHS