It is most certain that you have heard the question; "Why is Dyslexia such a hard word to spell?"
However,Dyslexia is no joke!
Almost everybody accepts Dyslexia as a term that indicates a problem with learning. There is not a precise definition, but it is widely accepted that it is a learning disorder.
Whilst for a long time, Dyslexia has been known as a learning difficulty that primarily affects literacy skills, researchers and professionals working with dyslexia suggest that it is less a disorder and more a sign of specially gifted people.
Dyslexia is a disability, not an illness. It can be coped with, but not cured. It is a form of learning disability that is neurological in origin.
Dyslexia can affect people in different ways, for some they may only have a problem with spelling. Others may have difficulty spelling, reading and writing. One typical example is the child (more often male) who has a bit of trouble with reading, writing and spelling at the start of Primary school.
Dyslexia is characterised with having trouble processing word-sounds and a deficiency in short-term verbal memory. The effects may be seen in both the spoken and the written language. Current evidence suggests that these difficulties arise from inefficiencies in language-processing areas. Located in the left hemisphere of the brain, they seem to be linked to genetic differences.
Dyslexia can be a serious problem if not addressed properly and the development of a child can be significantly hampered. When that happens, their future lives may be affected negatively.Therefore, the need for training cannot be over emphasised!
Unfortunately, Dyslexia is highly resistant to conventional methods of teaching. The most effective instructional methods use counselling and recent advances in technology. Dyslexia is not caused by inadequate teaching, however, if teaching is poor then this will undoubtedly increase the problem.
Dyslexia is strongly hereditary, just like whether you are right or left handed. It is understood that Dyslexia is more common in people who are neither strongly right handed or left handed.
Dyslexia is recognised under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Compliance with the act places responsibility on employers to provide access to premises and services by all employees and customers. Employers also have a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff.
Although Dyslexia is a life-long disability, with the correct systems in position it does not need to build barriers. It is possible for those that struggle to learn to cope with and overcome their difficulties. For example, Dyslexia did not hold back the children's book author, Cedric Hurtt. "His books sit on the shelves of local bookstores and are candy for word hungry children." [ ]
