Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that is neurological in origin. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from differences in the phonological component of language, which is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities. Other considerations may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Key Characteristics of Dyslexia:
1. Difficulty in Phonological Processing:
- Struggling with identifying and manipulating sounds in words.
- Difficulty in connecting sounds to letters (phonemic awareness).
2. Reading Difficulties:
- Slow and effortful reading.
- Frequent errors in reading words, particularly unfamiliar ones.
3. Spelling Challenges:
- Poor spelling due to difficulty in remembering letter patterns and word structures.
4. Problems with Decoding:
- Trouble sounding out words and recognising familiar words quickly and effortlessly.
5. Impact on Other Skills:
- Often leads to issues in reading comprehension due to slow reading pace and difficulty in word recognition.
- May also affect writing skills due to spelling difficulties and problems organising thoughts on paper.
Causes:
Dyslexia is believed to be related to genetic factors and differences in the way the brain processes language. It is not caused by vision problems, lack of intelligence, or poor teaching methods.
Diagnosis and Support:
- Diagnosis: Typically involves a series of assessments by educational psychologists, including tests of reading, spelling, and language skills, as well as evaluations of cognitive processing abilities.
- Support and Interventions:
- Assistive Technology: Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and word processors with spell-checking features.
- Accommodations in Education: Extended time on tests, alternative assessments, and individualised education plans (IEPs) to support learning.
Understanding and Awareness:
Raising awareness about dyslexia is crucial to ensure early identification and support for individuals with dyslexia, allowing them to achieve their full potential despite their reading challenges.
