What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that results in significant and persistent problems with reading, spelling, writing and sometimes arithmetic. It occurs in spite of normal teaching and is independent of socio-cultural background or intelligence. It often co-occurs with related conditions, such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia and attention deficit disorder. (ADHD).

Dyslexia mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills. It is likely to be present at birth and to be lifelong in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities...

Definition of dyslexia - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)

 

 

It tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but its effects can be mitigated by appropriately specific intervention, including the application of information technology and supportive counseling.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 of the UK‘s population has some form of dyslexia. The condition varies from person to person and no two people will have the same set of strengths and weaknesses. 

Dyslexics often have strong, visual, creative and problem solving skills and with these an ability to think outside of the box. They thrive  in creative industries like visual and performing arts; in the information technology and engineering sectors where their ability to consider problems from different angles and provide  innovative solutions is  much sort after.

Famous living dyslexics include: Bill Gates founder of Microsoft; actors Anthony Hopkins and Orlando Bloom; the director Stephen Spielberg; musicians Cher and Noel Gallagher; the architect Richard Rogers, chef Jamie Oliver, engineer and scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, all of whom are high achievers in their  specialist fields.