RLO: Understanding Dyslexia: An Introduction

Introduction

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek and means ‘difficulty with words’, and encompasses a wide variety of features. There are many positive aspects to being dyslexic, including being creative, being able to think multidimensionally (that is, in 3d), or in pictures, thinking laterally and being good at solving problems. Being dyslexic is not just about mis-spelling words, or mixing up letters. It can also include difficulty in organising thoughts, differentiating between left and right and problems with short term memory.

Like all of us, dyslexics have their own individual mixture of strengths and weaknesses. Some may find things harder or easier than others, and may also have developed different ways of dealing with their dyslexia. Dyslexics may really struggle in education as reading and writing are the main skills that are valued. Children who are dyslexic have often been made to feel stupid at school, and may never have had the chance to find or show their creative skills.

NB: This animation has a spoken narration, so you'll need headphones or speakers.

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