Dyslexia is very common Ranges from mild to severe 1 in 10 is dyslexic and of those, 1 in 4 has severe dyslexia Often runs in the family

Dyslexia affects reading, writing and spelling When reading, can’t match sounds to letter combinations When writing, similar looking/ sounding letters are confused (e.g. p, b and d) When spelling, can’t remember common letter patterns BUT Can cope well verbally – talking may be a strength Here are some examples of things that some people with dyslexia can find difficult.

Important! Everyone is different and dyslexia affects people in different ways. Not everyone with dyslexia will experience the same things. Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence – some of the most successful business people are dyslexic. Lord Allan Sugar

Red Blue Pink Yellow Green Purple Orange Yellow Pink Brown Try naming the colours below to find out what it’s like for people with dyslexia. Say the colour not the word! Red Blue Pink Yellow Green Purple Orange Yellow Pink Brown Purple Blue Red Yellow Red Red Blue Pink Yellow Green Purple Orange Brown Purple Blue Blue Red Purple Blue Blue Red Yellow Red Blue Pink Yellow Green Purple Orange Brown Purple Blue Blue Red Exercise Ask people to read out load the colours not the word. So they should say: Green, orange, blue, black, red and so on. The idea of this exercise is to show what it’s like when your brain has to work extra hard – and it can be like this for people with dyslexia.

Common dyslexic issues Poor short-term memory (names, numbers) Problems with time keeping, managing tasks, concentration and organisational skills Difficulty following instructions or sequences Children with dyslexia may be accused of not trying – but they are often very tired because of these extra difficulties. Issues that often co-occur alongside dyslexia

Co-occurring visual issues Symptoms of visual stress linked to other issues such as epilepsy, hypersensitivity to light or migraine are also common for people with dyslexia – e.g. the Rivers Effect below:

Not all people with dyslexia will experience visual distortions in text – but some may find text blurs or moves on the page: Here’s another example. Remember that not everyone with dyslexia will experience this.

Audio-processing issues Some people with dyslexia can’t recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even though the sounds themselves are clear – they may have: difficulty understanding when listening difficulties with concentration delays in understanding/ responding to spoken language Here is an example of visual difficulties that some people with dyslexia can experience.

But people with dyslexia also have many strengths… They may: be creative, out of the box thinkers have good problem solving skills have excellent ‘people’ skills

Well known people with dyslexia A few well known faces with dyslexia. Top row from left to right Jamie Oliver – chef Sir Steve Redgrave – Olympic gold medallist rower Michelle Mone – entrepreneur Bottom row from left to right Keira Knightley – actor Henry Winkler – The Fonz actor and author of Hank Zipzer books Holly Willoughy – TV presenter Richard Branson - entrepreneur

The world is more dyslexia friendly these days: Greater awareness and understanding out there - at school and in the workplace Computer technology and Apps Coloured paper and overlays More teacher training People sharing their stories and experiences

Dyslexia Scotland A national Helpline for anyone to contact 0344 800 8484 or email helpline@dyslexiascotland.org.uk Training and resources for teachers A range of free publications for parents, teachers, people with dyslexia, employers and more

Find out more at www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk A network of volunteer-led branches across Scotland An Adult Network for people to share experiences and ideas A quarterly magazine for members including a special children’s edition each year Find out more at www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk If you are from a branch, you might want to talk about your branch here.

Connect with us www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk @dyslexiascotlan   Connect with us @dyslexiascotlan A Life Less Ordinary www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk