What is Dyslexia
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is a condition whereby people of average to above average intellect struggle to read, write and spell, in spite of having received quality instruction.
- Dyslexia affects around 10 percent of the population worldwide.
- Dyslexia affects all races, ethnicities and languages.
- The most common sign is a difficulty to read, write and spell – in spite of at least average intelligence.
- The brain of dyslexic people is wired differently and it is a condition that affects both genders.
- Dyslexia is an inherited condition.
- With quality instruction dyslexic people can be taught to read. However, the instruction requires different strategies to that required for non- dyslexic people. Often the problems with writing and spelling remain.
- There are other symptoms shared by dyslexic people, like limited working memory and poor organisation and time management skills.
- Dyslexia is a lifetime condition. Dyslexic children become dyslexic adults. Many adults develop strategies for coping and many spend a lot of effort hiding their condition.
New Zealand has a horror record of failing to support people with dyslexia, and this is in stark contrast to many other countries. For a long time the Ministry of Education denied the existence of dyslexia and the outcome of that is that there are many adults and children who are unaware that they have dyslexia and are labouring under a misapprehension that they are slow and of limited intellect.
With support dyslexic people can achieve as well as regular workers.
Unfortunately however many dyslexic workers will shy away from promotions, and remain in positions where they can hide their condition. They are a group in the workforce whose potential has not been tapped.
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