Dyslexia and the dyslexic individual

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty in the acquisition of reading, writing and spelling, and is neurological in origin. The term is derived from the Greek "dys" meaning difficulty, and "lexis" meaning words. It is estimated that dyslexia affects 4% of the population severely, and a further 6% show some dyslexic characteristics.

Dyslexia may be caused by a combination of phonological segmentation and assembly skills, and visual and auditory system deficits. Word retrieval and speed of processing difficulties may also be present. A number of possible underlying biological causes of these cognitive deficits have been identified, and it is probable that in any one individual there may be several causes.

In addition dyslexia may also be related to a number of problems which may include some or all of the following:

• making errors with numbers (telephone numbers, reversing bus number etc.)
• difficulty with organisational skills, including time management
• misplacing personal items such as keys.
• making mistakes copying things down (instructions, number etc.)
• confusing dates, and missing appointments
• difficulty with orientation, e.g. with maps or in strange towns
• confusing left and right
• problems with explaining ideas and concepts, particularly on paper.
• word finding difficulties, and mispronunciation of long words.

Whilst the dyslexic individual may experience difficulties in the acquisition of reading, writing and spelling, they can be taught to find strategies and alternative learning methods to overcome most of these and other difficulties. However some problems, such as poor spelling, may persist into adulthood.

Every dyslexic is different, and should be treated as an individual. Many show talents actively sought by employers, such as good visuo-spatial skills, an ability to think holistically and see the bigger picture, and good lateral thinking. The same factors that cause literacy difficulties may also be responsible for highlighting positive attributes. For example, those finding difficulty solving a problem the way others do may tap resources that lead to more originality and creativity, a talent often noted in the dyslexic individual. Some people suggest that these attributes are only discovered thanks to the difficulty acquiring literacy skills.

© Ian Smythe, November 1999