Dyslexia
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily manifests itself with a child having difficulties with written language, particularly reading and spelling. The word derives from the Greek, meaning 'difficulty with words'.
The condition is likely to be present at birth and its effects will be lifelong, resisting conventional teaching methods. Although dyslexia is thought to be the result of a neurological difference, it is not associated to intelligence; people of all levels of intelligence have been diagnosed with the condition. The effects of the disorder vary from person to person.
Symptoms of dyslexia
There are different symptoms to look out for depending on the age of the child, but there are many recurring factors in dyslexia which can appear from a young age. Symptoms include:
- Markedly different good and bad days which have no obvious reason
- Confusion with directions, for example, left and right, up and down, in and out
- Difficulties with sequences, for example, days of the week, months of the year or numbers
- A family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties
Difficulties with speech
Speech delays can be an early warning sign of dyslexia as many people with the condition have problems processing auditory input before they reproduce their own version of speech. Stuttering can also be an early indicator.
Dyslexics can mix up sounds in multi-syllabic words and can have problems speaking in full sentences. Specific letters which can cause problems are 'R', 'L', 'M' and 'N'.
Spelling
Spelling errors are common with dyslexics because they struggle to learn what the letter sounds like and so tend to misspell or leave vowels out of words. Reversing letters within a word is another common trait, as is phoneticised spelling - writing a word in its phonetic form.
Associated conditions
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a medical term to describe children who have difficulties carrying out daily activities that require co-ordination of movements, which are out of proportion to the child's age and intelligence. Studies have indicated many dyslexics struggle with motor difficulties, specifically clumsiness and poor coordination. Some have suggested this is due to the linked role of the cerebellum and inner ear in the development of reading and motor abilities.
Dyscalculia
Dyslexics should not be confused with dyscalculia, a specific learning difficulty marked by problems with mathematics. Some dyslexics can do well in mathematics while still struggling with their reading skills. They may still struggle with word problems such as formulas or physics. Dyslexics may have trouble remembering multiplication tables or long division, and so their dyslexia can impair their ability with numbers.
How Priory Education Services can help
If you think your child may have dyslexia, ask to speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) in school.
Priory Education Services operates a network of schools and colleges throughout the country. It is the UK's leading specialist provider of education and care for children and young people aged four to 35 with a wide range of complex learning difficulties and disabilities. These include Asperger's Syndrome, autistic spectrum disorders, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Almost all students admitted have a Statement of Special Educational Needs and will have experienced difficulties within mainstream and local authority special schools. Many will have been excluded from school or had problems at home because of their complex and challenging needs and behaviours.
Please click here for further information on the specific special educational needs our schools and colleges can address.
Please click here for more information on Mark College, our school that specialises in Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
Contact us to find out if we can help. Telephone 0845 2 774679 or email education@priorygroup.com Lines are open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and between 10am and 8pm at the weekends.
Further help
The British Dyslexia Association
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
0845 251 9002
Young Minds Parent Information Service
www.youngminds.org.uk
0800 018 2138