Dyslexia-what is it?

In 2009, Sir Jim Rose’s Report gave the following description of dyslexia;

 'Dyslexia is a learning difficulty/difference that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

· Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.

· Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.

·It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.

·Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia.

A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well founded intervention.'

(Sir Jim Rose, Identifying and teaching children with dyslexia and literacy difficulties 2009).

The BDA Management Board adopted Sir Jim Rose’s definition with the addition of a further paragraph:

'In addition to these characteristics, the BDA acknowledges the visual processing difficulties that some individuals with dyslexia can experience, and points out that dyslexic readers can show a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process.  Some also have strengths in other areas, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills.

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects auditory memory and processing speed which impacts on literacy development, mathematics, memory, organisation and sequencing skills to varying degrees. Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual development. It is neurological in origin and is seen to run in families. It affects up to 10% of the UK population at some level and can affect anyone of any age and background.'  

(Dyslexia SpLD-Trust March 2015).

The animation below seeks to preempt misconceptions among young audiences by shedding light on the real challenges dyslexic children face whilst also acknowledging their strengths and potential. It was created by the British Dyslexia Association with funding from the DfE with dyslex.io to support dyslexic people and to encourage people to 'See dyslexia differently'. The animation was created by Studio Tinto.

You can learn more about dyslexia and other conditions via the links below.