What is Dyslexia: Everything you need to know?

What is Dyslexia: Everything you need to know?

What is Dyslexia: Everything you need to know?


Dyslexia is a very common condition within the UK, and estimates suggest that around 10% of the country currently have dyslexia. However, what is dyslexia? In this blog, we thought we would take a closer look at what exactly this condition is, the symptoms and challenges it poses, and the best dyslexia resources that are available.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties in the world. There are various types of dyslexia, but some of the most common issues are language based, with individuals struggling with specific aspects such as reading comprehension, spelling and writing. Although they might have trouble when reading themselves, many of those with dyslexia will not have issues understanding when something is read to them. Dyslexia is not just about reading and writing, though, and lots of individuals with often have a range of other conditions, such as dyscalculia (difficulty with numeracy), Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Like all learning difficulties, living with dyslexia can impact individuals throughout their life, although how much it impacts them can change as they grow up. That is why it is incredibly important that teachers and parents focus on helping children with dyslexia at the earliest stage. People with dyslexia are no less intelligent, and there are very successful people in every field who have dyslexia.

What causes dyslexia?

Dyslexia or dyscalculia is not caused by a lack of intelligence nor a lack in the individual’s desire to learn. Utilising the right teaching methods and dyslexia resources when helping children with dyslexia can transform their learning experience.

While the exact causes of the condition are still not known, brain images and anatomical studies have shown that the brain develops and functions differently compared to those without it. These differences are primarily within the areas of the brain responsible for those skills that are essential for reading, including how sounds are represented and word recognition. However, the brain is incredibly adaptable, and studies have shown that it can change when children receive tutoring that meets their requirements.

However, dyslexia and dyscalculia can also be a hereditary trait. It is quite common for these conditions to run in families, with 40% of siblings experiencing similar issues. That research has also shown that nearly 50% of parents who have children with dyslexia also have the condition.

What are the symptoms of dyslexia?

Knowing the symptoms of dyslexia can be challenging, particularly in pre-school children. We all learn at different speeds; however, there are various signs that you can look out for, and it is common for the issue to be first identified by your child’s school teacher.

What are the symptoms of dyslexia in pre-school children?

Some of the most common symptoms of dyslexia in very young children include:

  • Being a late talker
  • Slowly learning new words
  • Trouble being able to form words correctly, typically reversing sounds or using words that sounds similar.
  • Difficulty with remembering individual’s names, or things such as colours and, for those with dyscalculia, trouble remembering the order of numbers.
  • Finding it tough to learn popular nursery rhymes


What are the symptoms of dyslexia in school-age children?

While it can be possible to identify dyslexia in pre-school children, it is most commonly diagnosed once the child has started school. Some of the most common signs are:

  • Having a reading age that is below average for their age
  • Difficulty understanding and processing information
  • Having issues with remembering the sequence of things
  • Unable to find the right word for things
  • Spending a longer time on tasks that involve writing or reading
  • Problems spelling words
  • Difficulty reading aloud or avoiding activities that require it
  • Trouble trying to summarise a story
  • Difficulty completing maths or numerical problems, particularly for those with dyscalculia.


How is dyslexia diagnosed?

If you suspect that your child is showing signs of dyslexia, the only way to truly diagnose it is via an in-depth evaluation. This is carried out by professionals either in the child’s school or privately at home. This process will assess the child for their various skills and how that compares to the benchmark for students of the same age.

The first step is to arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher as well as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). During this meeting, you can discuss your concerns and possible interventions to help improve their learning. However, if your child continues to struggle with their learning, then you can schedule the evaluation.

During this assessment, the school will complete a questionnaire regarding your child’s overall health, ability to perform certain tasks and what they believe might need to change. Once this is complete, the examiner will likely then observe your child in the classroom environment and ask them to complete an array of tests. These tests will involve them conducting a range of reading and writing tasks, as well as evaluating their language and vocabulary, logical reasoning, their memory, ability to process visual and auditory information, and their overall approach to learning.

Once this has been completed, you will receive a full report on your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you and the school to create an in-depth Special Educational Needs (SEN) support plan to help them manage their dyslexia. However, if this is still not enough to enable them to progress, then you may need to seek further assistance to create a full Educational Healthcare Plan (EHC). This sets out clearly what your child’s educational requirements are and what support is required to address them.

Utilising dyslexia resources

While the condition can appear daunting, when it comes to helping children with dyslexia, there are a wide array of teaching methods and dyslexia resources available. These can transform their learning and give them the skills to maximise their education.

There are many strategies that teachers and parents can adopt to help children with dyslexia. This involves the actual methods of teaching, such as working to create a more inclusive and positive environment and developing a structured approach to literacy lessons. There are also many unique tools, games and equipment that you can incorporate into the curriculum.

Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we know how important it is to provide children with a varied and multisensory learning experience. That is why our family-run brand was established to offer parents and teachers alike an in-depth dyslexia resources. From stationery and books to coloured overlays and educational games, we offer everything you need, and we have one of the largest selections of special education products, with everything being carefully chosen by our experienced team.

We also pride ourselves on providing the very best service possible, offering fast and convenient delivery alongside flexible payment options. Want to find out more? You can check out our full range of products or get in touch with our highly experienced team today.

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