Dyslexia
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how the brain processes language and information. It is a lifelong way of thinking and learning that can create higher-effort areas in reading, spelling and writing.
People with dyslexia may find it difficult to:
- Learn to read and spell accurately and fluently
- Put their ideas into writing
- Remember sequences such as days, months or instructions
- Hold and manipulate information in working memory
- Process language quickly
Dyslexia affects individuals differently, and no two dyslexic thinkers are exactly alike.
How common is dyslexia?
Dyslexia runs in families and is thought to affect around 15% of the population.
Dyslexia exists on a spectrum. Some people experience relatively mild challenges, while others require significant support. Many dyslexic individuals develop effective strategies and adaptations that can make their difficulties less obvious to others.
Dyslexic thinking strengths
Alongside higher-effort areas, many dyslexic thinkers demonstrate strengths in areas such as:
- Big-picture thinking
- Seeing connections and patterns
- Problem-solving and innovation
- Creativity and idea generation
- Visual and spatial thinking
- Understanding people and context
Other differences that may co-exist
Dyslexia can occur alongside other learning, attention and processing differences such as dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, auditory processing differences and dyspraxia.
Supporting students with dyslexia
Dyslexic students can learn and achieve when learning environments recognise both their strengths and higher-effort areas.
Understanding dyslexia helps create learning environments where students can build confidence and experience success.
Further information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafiGBrFkRM
Book available with detailed dyslexic thinking information: Growing Stars: A Parent Guidebook for Supporting Your Dyslexic Child
Educator video’s available here