Dyslexia is a much-misunderstood condition. Not all poor readers and spellers are dyslexic, and not all dyslexics are poor readers and spellers.
The word 'Dyslexia' comes from two Greek words and it means 'difficulty with words.' Dyslexia can affect reading, spelling, writing, memory and concentration, and sometimes maths, music, foreign languages and self-organisation. There is still a tendency in some areas to refuse to officially recognise the condition and instead it is called a 'specific learning difficulty.'
Dyslexia is caused by a difference in the part of the brain that deals with language. Recent scientific research indicates that dyslexic people have physical differences in their brain which cause them to process information differently. These differences are not caused by brain damage at birth or upbringing but are part of the genetic makeup of the individual - it is nobody's "fault," just part of the general diversity of mankind.
The condition tends to run in families - there may be a history of literacy problems - and continues throughout life : it cannot be "cured" but it can often be overcome. Around 4% of the population is severely dyslexic and further 6% have mild to moderate problems. It occurs in people from all backgrounds and of all abilities, from people who never learn to read or write to those who go on to gain university degrees. Dyslexic people may have creative, artistic, and practical skills and they can develop strategies to cope with their areas of difficulty. Many indeed go on to achieve marked success in their chosen field
Classic symptoms of Dyslexia include
Not all dyslexics will have all the above symptoms and some will have other syptoms too, as dyslexia is sometimes allied with ADD/ADHD or associated with non-specific behaviour problems caused by frustration.
Coping with Dyslexia
People with dyslexia do not learn in the same way as their peers and so need a different approach, particularly where literacy is concerned. In order to compensate for weaknesses in memory and organisational skills, a multisensory approach is most frequently adopted. This means that the pupil will
a new word or sound, involving all the senses (apart from smell!) in imprinting the information on the brain.
There are also some controversial theories in the field which, though still unproven, cannot do any harm and may well bring benefits: the most widespread of these is the use of coloured transparent sheets to use as overlays on print : these do seem to work for some people, with different colours seeming to give the best results for different individuals, and if successful can be made into coloured lenses for reading glasses. The reasoning behind this system is unclear, but those for whom it DOES help report that the text seems "clearer" and "less muddled."
Famous and successful dyslexics:
dyslexia can be overcome and people with the condition can succeed in life - some go on to become outstanding in their field : these include
Inventors and Scientists
|
Performers
|
Artists and Writers
|
Politicians and Military
|
Athletes
|