Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that effects a child’s ability to accurately read and spell and can also affect a child’s speech and understanding of language, especially when they are very young.

Dyslexic people have poorly developed phonological awareness. This is a skill based on the awareness that words can be broken down into smaller units of sound. For example the word ‘cat’ is made up of three sounds ‘c’ ‘a’ and ‘t’. Dyslexic children have difficulty developing these types of skills which in turn makes learning to read more difficult.

Dyslexia significantly affects the reading attainment of between 4 and 8 per cent of children.

Characteristics of dyslexia

There can be other difficulties which manifest alongside the dyslexia which include coordination skills, speech and language, concentration, personal organisation, working memory and maths skills. Specific learning difficulties that can occur alongside the dyslexia include Specific Language Impairment (SLI) Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADHD) and dyscalculia.

Dyslexia occurs across a continuum which means a child could be mildly, moderately or severely affected by it. It occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.

Signs of dyslexia, which appear at pre-school age, can include delayed speech and language, poor rhythm and rhyming skills and little interest in learning to read.

In their early school years the child can display poor letter and sound knowledge, poor attempts at reading and problems copying words. In the middle school years there may be poor literacy skills despite good teaching, slow reading, poor decoding skills and written work not matching the level of their verbal skills. Into adolescence and adulthood they will demonstrate poor reading fluency, slow writing skills and poor organisation.

Effects of dyslexia:

  • People with dyslexia will often try to avoid having to read because they don’t find it enjoyable.
  • Children in class can feel embarrassed and humiliated if they are asked to read aloud.
  • Low self esteem can lead to anxiety and /or behavioural difficulties.
  • Children can become disengaged from education.
  • Life chances for people with dyslexia can be affected because of the added difficulty in achieving educational success.

Causes of dyslexia:

Genetic links have been identified as a possible cause of the condition as has a possible dietary deficiency of omega 3.

Identifying children with dyslexia

Teachers in mainstream school can lack knowledge about how to assess and monitor children with  dyslexia.

The Rose Report 2009  ‘Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties’ recognises the importance of early identification and intervention.

Assessment

Assessment and diagnosis of dyslexia should be carried out by an educational psychologist or a specialist teacher.

Following diagnosis targeted intervention is effective for the majority of children in helping them to learn to read.

References:

Krysia Sivyer, Speech, Language and Dyslexia Consultancy (SLDC) Ltd.

Written by Rachel Harrison

Speech and Language Therapist

On behalf of ITS

Image rights courtesy of www.pixabay.com

 

 


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