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Dyslexia

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia Action’s Definition 
 
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and spelling. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties in processing word-sounds and by weaknesses in short-term verbal memory; its effects may be seen in spoken language as well as written language. The current evidence suggests that these difficulties arise from
inefficiencies in language-processing areas in the left hemisphere of the brain which, in turn, appear to be linked to genetic differences. 
 
Dyslexia is life-long, but its effects can be minimised by targeted literacy intervention, technological support and adaptations to ways of working and learning. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence, race or social background.
Dyslexia varies in severity and often occurs alongside other specific learning difficulties, such as Dyspraxia or Attention Deficit Disorder, resulting in variation in the degree and nature of individuals’ strengths and weaknesses. 
 
Key Facts 
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty, mainly affecting reading and spelling. About 10% of the population are affected by dyslexia to some degree. 
 
Dyslexia tends to run in families; it is known that there are several genes that contribute to a genetic risk of dyslexia. Brain scanning studies suggest that, in dyslexic people, the connections between different language areas of the brain do not work as efficiently as they should. However, these differences are not linked to intelligence, and there is evidence that many dyslexic people have strengths and abilities in tasks that involve creative and visually-based thinking. 
 
Dyslexic people usually find it difficult to analyse and work with the sounds of spoken words, and many have difficulties with short-term memory, sequencing and organisation. This means that it is more difficult for them to learn how spoken sounds map onto letters, which affects the ability to spell and the ability to decode or ‘sound out’ words. Although many dyslexic people can learn to use phonic, decoding, skills they typically need a great deal of instruction, and they often never reach a stage where these skills are fully automatic. 
 
Dyslexia is not the same as a problem with reading. Although many dyslexic people learn to read, they usually have persistent problems with spelling, writing, memory and organisation. 
 
Dyslexia Action's Approach
There are two keys to overcoming the effects of dyslexia. 
 
1) Although it is possible to improve literacy skills for children and adults by using structured, multisensory methods, research shows that early intervention is more effective.
 
2) In adulthood, and in the later stages of schooling, the key to success is through improving skills, and by developing compensatory and coping strategies through an understanding of individual strengths and
weaknesses and the consequences of those for learning and working in different ways.

Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS)
Scotopic sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) also known as Irlen Syndrome and Visual Stress Syndrome is a visual perception disorder affecting reading and writing based activities. Irlen Syndrome is sometimes classified as a form of dyslexia. Solutions to those with this disorder is the use of coloured lenses which make reading and writing possible.

Article on Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS)
The World of Misperception: Irlen Colored Filters


Dyslexia Online Journal
Mind, Brain and Education Podcast: 'Dyslexia Intervention: Reading and the Brain'  - speech by Maryanne Wolf (audio)
Wordswork - uses graphics, voiceovers, colour and humour to develop a variety of language skills which dyslexic students (and others) need to address.

Articles on Dyslexia
Confronting dyslexia sooner would have made me a better player, says Logan
Dyslexia-friendly books by top children's authors
Dyslexia is not a disease
Goodbye Cursive, Hello Keyboarding!
Joint Statement - Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia and Vision
Kenny Logan - what disability means to him
Lauver's 'Most Unlikely To Succeed' has powerful message of overcoming dyslexia
My iPhone has revolutionised my reading
Special Lens Seems To Help Dyslexic Patients See Better
Spotting Dyslexia May Be Possible Even Before Kids Learn To Read
The dyslexic boy failed by the system
Understanding Dyslexia and Dyspraxia (University of Hull)
50 Interesting Facts About Dyslexia

Dyslexia-friendly books
'Sterling And The Canary' by Andy Stanton - a 'dyslexia-friendly' book which is also suitable for struggling readers.
Lovereading4kids.co.uk - providing a comprehensive list of recommended books.
Barrington Stoke - publishing fantastic books for dyslexic and struggling readers

Websites
British Dyslexia Association (BDA)  -a national charity and our vision is that of a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
Dyslexia Action
Dyslexia Advantage
Dyslexia Parents Resource
DysTalk - information about dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and ADHD
Dyslexia Online Magazine
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre
Patoss (Professional Association of Teachers of Students With Specific Learning Difficulties)
Springboard For Children - providing a literacy lifeline for children with learning difficulties in inner city primary schools.
Support4Dyslexia - a private centre that works with people of all ages to improve reading and spelling
The dyslexia website from Xtraordinary People - changing the face of dyslexia
The Dyslexia SpLD Trust - a collaboration of voluntary and community organisations with funding from the Department of Education to provide reliable information to parents, teachers, schools and the wider sector. It acts as the main communication channel between government, leading dyslexia organisations, parents, schools, colleges, teachers and the sector.
The Yale Center For Dyslexia and Creativity

Please see more information in our Resources section (Learning Disabilities)