What is Dyslexia?
1. What is Dyslexia?
The word 'dyslexia' comes from the Greek and means 'difficulty with words'.
It is a difference in the brain area that deals with language. It affects the under-lying skills that are needed for learning to read, write and spell. Brain imaging techniques show that dyslexic people process information
differently.
Around 4% of the population is severely dyslexic. A further 6% have mild to moderate problems. Dyslexia occurs in people from all backgrounds and of all abilities, from people who cannot read to those with university degrees. Dyslexic people, of all ages, can learn effectively but often need a different approach.
Dyslexia is a puzzling mix of both difficulties and strengths. It varies in degree and from person to person.
Dyslexic people often have distinctive talents as well as typical clusters of difficulties.
(See Successful Dyslexics)
2. Difficulties and strengths.
Possible difficulties.
Reading hesitantly.
Misreading, making understanding difficult.
Difficulty with sequences, e.g. getting dates in order.
Poor organisation or time management.
Difficulty organising thoughts clearly.
Erratic spelling.
Possible strengths.
Innovative thinkers.
Excellent trouble shooters.
Intuitive problem solving.
Creative in many different ways.
Lateral thinkers.
3. Where to look for help.
Helplines:
Some Local Dyslexia Associations (LDAs) have helpliners who specialise in information for dyslexic adults.
General helpliners in other LDAs can answer adult enquiries. (See Local Dyslexia Associations.)
Support groups and meetings:
Many LDAs have regular meetings for adult dyslexics.
(See Regular Events.)
DANDA
Developmental Adult Neuro-Diversity Association
for people with conditions such as Dyspraxia, ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome.
(See Related Organisations.)
Assessment, Advice, Tuition:
There is a list of BDA Organisational Members available. Some of these offer services to dyslexic adults.
They usually charge for these services. LDAs may know of other facilities.
Listing of Organisational Members who provide Dyslexia Services.
(See Organisational Members.)
4. Other sources of help.
The Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre.
Adult Basic Education Centre.
CAB: Citizens' Advice Bureau.
Your Council's Neighbourhood Office.
Your trade union, if applicable.
Your local Disability Information Service.
5. British Telecom services.
Free Directory Enquiries is a service for anyone who is unable to use a Telephone Directory easily. It is available to diagnosed dyslexic people. The Free Directory Enquiries services will still be available after the changes to the Charged Directory Enquiries services in August 2003.
For registration details call free on Tel: 195.
Anyone can call for contact details of businesses and services, e.g. to ask for a taxi service in your area.
6. E-mail discussion group
Dyslexia forum. Discussions by and for dyslexic people.
See archives and joining procedure on
Web:
www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/dyslexia.html
and thats why if u need me to re senctce my words then please ask i try my best but all i can give i h8 when people call me stupid or illarate(sp) like kat did it wines me up so badly as most people dont understand i got a bad case of spelling and writting i have gotten over my specch on the upside the smartest people in the world had this if u check it out; Albert Einstein , that weird guy in a wheel chair , that weird rartiest who patined that big celling thing in italy etc
I just wish pirates would spawn as often as him... you guys were so lucky to find one. XD
basicly got me though and all i needed is a B+ in maths got A predicked and IT is predicted a B