What is Dyslexia?
1. What is Dyslexia?
The word 'dyslexia' comes from the Greek and means 'difficulty with words'.
It is a difference in the brain area that deals with language. It affects the under-lying skills that are needed for learning to read, write and spell. Brain imaging techniques show that dyslexic people process information differently.

Around 4% of the population is severely dyslexic. A further 6% have mild to moderate problems. Dyslexia occurs in people from all backgrounds and of all abilities, from people who cannot read to those with university degrees. Dyslexic people, of all ages, can learn effectively but often need a different approach.
Dyslexia is a puzzling mix of both difficulties and strengths. It varies in degree and from person to person.
Dyslexic people often have distinctive talents as well as typical clusters of difficulties.
Successful Dyslexics include famous people like Sir Winston Churchill, Richard Branson, Orlando Bloom, Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein.

2. Difficulties and strengths.
Possible difficulties.
Reading hesitantly.
Misreading, making understanding difficult.
Difficulty with sequences, e.g. getting dates in order.
Poor organisation or time management.
Difficulty organising thoughts clearly.
Erratic spelling.

Possible strengths.
Innovative thinkers.
Excellent trouble shooters.
Intuitive problem solving.
Creative in many different ways.
Lateral thinkers.

Helplines:
Some Local Dyslexia Associations (LDAs) have helplines who specialise in information for dyslexic adults.
General helplines in other LDAs can answer adult enquiries. (See Local Dyslexia Associations.)
Sources of help.
The Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre.
Adult Basic Education Centre.
CAB: Citizens' Advice Bureau.
Your Council's Neighbourhood Office.
Your trade union, if applicable.
Your local Disability Information Service.
British Dyslexia Association Website provides useful information, links to helplines.

Learn more about this author, Jol Martyn-Clark.
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