Dyslexia is a learning difference or disorderwhich can occur at any level of intellectual ability.

It can cause difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• spoken language

• reading

• writing

• maths

CAUSES OF DYSLEXIA

Experts do not know precisely what causes dyslexia, but several recent studies now indicate that genetics plays a major role.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DYSLEXIA IN CHILDREN

• A late talker

• Pronunciation problems

• Difficulty rhyming words

• Impaired ability to learn basics such as thealphabet, colors, and numbers

• Problems with handwriting and other fine motor skills

• Confusing letters such as "b" and "d" or theorders of letters within words

In older children or adults with dyslexia, these other

signs may appear:

• Trouble with reading, writing, and spelling

• Ongoing trouble with schoolwork

• Difficulty learning a foreign language

• Poor handwriting

• Difficulty remembering numbers

• Trouble following a sequence of directions and tellingleft from right

HOW DO THEY FEEL?

• Dumb

• Embarrassed

• Everybody else is better than you

• Slow

• Frustrated

• Anxious

• Cross

‘sometimes my eyes go funny and I can’t see them – it looks like they are going wavy and they get mixed up and small words look like black things with white in between’.

WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?

HOW DO WE HELP DYSLEXIC PEOPLE?

• A well structured reading and spelling programme that is multi-sensory.

• Use of coloured overlays

• Highlight key words

• Use post-it notes to organise ideas

• Use a computer to do school work especially extended pieces of writing.

• Use mind maps to record work and to revise for exams.

As parents, there are many things you can do to help a child with dyslexia:

• Educate yourself

• Make sure your child is getting the help he or she needs

• Read to your child often

• Provide homework support

• Encourage your child to pursue activities he or she enjoys

• Give your child lots of positive feedback and encouragement

• Get help if your child shows signs of emotional distress

SOME FAMOUS DYSLEXIC PEOPLE

ALBERT EINSTEIN

LEONARDO DA VINCI

AGATHE CHRISTIE

WALT DISNEY