Dyslexia / Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA / SpLD?

The word 'dyslexia' is originally Greek and means 'difficulty with words or language'. Up to 10 per cent of the UK population have dyslexia, with around 2 million people in the UK being severely affected. The condition is currently more common in males than females.

Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person's ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. They may also have trouble making the basic connection between letters and their sounds and have difficulty with spelling, writing, and speaking.

There is said to be an overlap with conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) of around 30-50%. The overlap with Dyspraxia appears to be even higher.

Frequent characteristics may include:-

• Confusing letters like b and d, either when reading or when writing, or sometimes reading (or writing) words like 'rat' for 'tar' or 'won' for 'now';
• 'Elisions', that is when a person sometimes reads or writes 'cat' when the word is actually 'cart';
• Reading very slowly and hesitantly, who reads without fluency, word by word, or constantly losing place, by leaving out whole chunks of texts or reading the same passage twice;
• Hesitant or slow reading and writing;
• Misreading, which makes understanding difficult;
• Putting letters and figures the wrong way round;
• Difficulty with sequences;
• Poor organisation or time management;
• Erratic spelling;
• Poor memory and concentration;
• Difficulty organising thoughts clearly;
• Poor self-image.

Associated features include problems in distinguishing left and right, poor sense of direction, difficulties with time and tense and subtle problems with both visual and auditory perception.

There are many types of Specific Learning Disability (SpLD) of which Dyslexia is only one. In some cases diagnosis can be difficult. Only a full psychological assessment will determine if any child or adult is Dyslexic. No two people with Dyslexia are exactly the same because Dyslexia ranges between mild, moderate, severe and profound.

Dyslexia is often identified whilst children are in primary school, and can become more evident as the need for written work arises.

However, children with Dyslexia also have many positive qualities in areas controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain, such as artistic skills, creative or global thinking, a strong athletic ability, good people skills, a vivid imagination, and 3-D visual-spatial skills.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.