Dyslexia is a specific condition that affects language acquisition. Research suggests that Dyslexia may be connected to minor genetic and brain-structure differences within individuals. Dyslexia is not linked to social background, behavioral or emotional problems (except as a result of frustration and anxiety), or "intellectual ability". It has been found that boys are three times as likely to have Dyslexia as girls.

Experience of teaching Dyslexic people, and research has demonstrated to us how "symbolic systems" - 'codes' we use ot represent letters, numbers and so on - governs the ability to understand written language, maths, and other "abstract" systems such as sheet music.

In the case of a Dyslexic person, the ability to learn these codes is impaired. With appropriate help, however, Dyslexics can be taught compensating strategies (see "the work of the Dyslexia Institute" section) which should allow them to function at the same level as everyone else.

Dyslexics often show particular patterns of "strength and weakness" in their behaviour. Apart from difficulties in reading and writing, Dyslexics often display difficulties with Maths, poor memory retention, and often have difficulty in organising parts of their lives. It is difficult, for instance, to use the underground if you cannot read the station signs. They may also suffer from a poor sense of their own worth. One complaint often heard is that "they don't listen". In fact, Dyslexics often find long lists of commands or information difficult to understand (possibly due to poor memory), and may simply need information to be presented in a slightly different way in order to understand it.(see the "recognising Dyslexia" section for a more comprehensive list.)

On the other hand, Dyslexics are often very good in situations requiring visual skills or creative, lateral thinking. Dyslexics often make very good artists, designers, engineers, architects, surgeons or computer programmers. Dyslexia should not be considered a barrier to a successful career in any field.

Dyslexia is sometimes linked to two other conditions, Dyspraxia and Meares-Irlen syndrome. Dyspraxia is sometimes known as "clumsy child syndrome" since it affects physical movement and co-ordination. A Dyspraxic child may have difficulty in situations involving "motor-control" functions, for instance ball games or drawing and writing. In addition, they may show difficulties in understanding spatial relationships, speech and monitoring social situations. Meares-Irlen syndrome is at present poorly understood but appears to disrupt the physical process of reading from a page of print. Symptoms include:

• Tiredness, headaches and sore eyes whilst reading.
• Movement, jumble or blurring of words.
• Finding that a page of print produces a lot of "glare".

             (n.b. if you can't read this, don't worry!)      

If you think that you have either of these conditions, you should consult your local doctor or optrician. Also, see our Links page to contact voluntary organisations who can help with support and advice.