Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and spelling. It is neurological in origin and exists on a continuum from mild to severe. It is not related to intelligence.
What is dyslexia?
Since May 2024, the SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) has defined dyslexia as ‘primarily a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.’
In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments. Difficulties in reading and spelling fluency are a key marker across languages and age groups.
Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity. The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.
Key facts
The updated definition of dyslexia
In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments.
Across languages and age groups, difficulties in reading and spelling fluency are a key marker of dyslexia.
The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.
Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity.
Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language.
The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (phonological awareness, processing speed or phonological memory).
Working memory, orthographic skills and processing speed problems can contribute to the impact of dyslexia and should be assessed.
Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulty, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.
SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee), May 2024
Signs of dyslexia
- • Difficulty with reading fluency and accuracy
- • Poor or inconsistent spelling
- • Difficulty with phonological awareness
- • Slow processing speed for written tasks
- • Weak working memory
- • Difficulty sequencing (alphabet, days of week, months)
- • Poor organisation and time management
- • Difficulty taking notes while listening
- • Letter or number reversals (b/d, 6/9)
Strengths associated with dyslexia
- ✦ Strong visual-spatial thinking
- ✦ Creative and lateral thinking
- ✦ Excellent problem-solving skills
- ✦ Strong verbal communication
- ✦ Entrepreneurial mindset
- ✦ Ability to see the 'big picture'
- ✦ Empathy and emotional intelligence
- ✦ Persistence and resilience
- ✦ Original thinking
Conditions that frequently co-occur with dyslexia
Dyscalculia
Difficulty with numbers and maths. Often co-occurs with dyslexia. A separate diagnostic assessment is available.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Affects concentration, impulsivity, and executive functioning. Frequently co-occurs with dyslexia.
Dyspraxia (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder. Affects motor skills, coordination, and organisation. Often seen alongside dyslexia.
DLD
Developmental Language Disorder. Affects understanding and use of spoken language. Can co-occur with dyslexia and impact literacy.
Common questions
Is dyslexia a disability?
Under the Equality Act 2010, dyslexia is recognised as a disability if it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This means individuals with dyslexia are entitled to reasonable adjustments in education and the workplace.
Can dyslexia be cured?
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured. However, with the right support, strategies, and adjustments, dyslexic people do well. The earlier it is identified, the sooner support can start.
Can adults be diagnosed with dyslexia?
Yes, dyslexia can be identified at any age through a formal diagnostic assessment. Many adults seek a diagnosis to better understand their difficulties, access workplace support, or apply for exam accommodations.
Is dyslexia hereditary?
Research shows a strong genetic component to dyslexia. It often runs in families, and if one parent has dyslexia there is an increased likelihood that their children may also have it. However, environmental factors also play a role in its development.