Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia? ‘Dyslexia is best described as a continuum of difficulties in learning to read, spell or write which persist despite appropriate learning opportunities. These difficulties are not typical of performance in most other cognitive and academic areas.’

There may be associated difficulties in such areas as: Phonological processing Short term memory Sequencing Number skills Motor function Organisational ability What is Dyslexia? (Developing a Dyslexia - Friendly Learning Environment DENI 2005 )

General Indicators Appears bright but unable to get thoughts on paper Reading achievement is below expectation Memory difficulties Poor planning and organisational skills Apparent lack of concentration Tires easily Performance varies from day to day A history of dyslexia in the family Research shows that Dyslexia is neurologically based.

Indicators of Dyslexia 3-5 Years Difficulties with: Talking and listening Early literacy skills Memory Motor control Behaviour

Indicators of Dyslexia 5-11 years Difficulties with: Talking and listening Reading Spelling Writing Memory Behaviour

Indicators of Dyslexia Post Primary Difficulties with: Speaking and listening Reading Spelling Writing Memory Organisation and integrating thoughts Motor coordination Behaviour

Memory Sensory Memory Working Short Term Memory Lost discarded Long Term Memory Retrieval

To remember something you must - Understand it Get it into memory Think about it often Use it often Memory

Children with dyslexia learn best when teachers - Explain things carefully and show how it is done Give time to listen, think, answer and write Notice if they are having difficulty and offer help Write clearly on the board and provide printed handouts etc. Smile when they ask a question Try not to shout or use sarcasm Do not discuss their work in front of the class

Support Available School based practice DE Materials : DVD/CD Rom and booklet Educational Psychology Peripatetic Support Service (PSS) PSS Literacy Centre, Fortwilliam PSS Dyslexia Training Programme

Useful Resources Developing a Dyslexia Friendly learning Environment: DE Handbook Removing Dyslexia as a Barrier to Achievement: N Mackay: SEN Marketing (primary) Dyslexia: Successful inclusion in the Secondary School: G Reid: David Fulton Publishers Northern Ireland Task Group Report on Dyslexia (2002) Web sites: