What is it?

Affecting about 10% of the UK population, dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling abilities. It is thought to be more common among boys than girls. Albert Einstein, John Lennon and Eddie Izzard are just a few of the people who have managed their dyslexia successfully.

How does it affect people?

It is characterised by difficulties with word sounds and a weak short-term verbal memory. Its effects may also be seen in spoken as well as written language.

What causes dyslexia?

Current evidence suggests that dyslexia is caused by inefficiencies in the left hemisphere of the brain, which are passed on genetically.

Diagnosis

An assessment by a psychologist or teacher who is specially trained in diagnostic assessments can determine whether someone has dyslexia. Assessments last two to three hours, and involve considering a wide range of factors that might be making it hard for the person to learn or work.

What treatment is available?

Structured, multi-sensory methods to improve literacy skills and adaptations to ways of working and learning; compensatory and coping strategies; technological support.

Updated: 10/09/2009