Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a
There is a common misconception that dyslexia only affects the ability to read and write. In reality, dyslexia can affect memory, organisation, time-keeping, concentration, multi-tasking and communication.
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing and spelling. It's a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing.
Visual Thinking
Many people with dyslexia often think in images as opposed to words, which is attributed to the unique activations in their brains. People with dyslexia are also more likely to form 3D spatial images in their minds than non-dyslexic people.
Dyslexia is not an emotional disorder, but the frustrating nature of this learning disability can lead to feelings of anxiety, anger, low self–esteem and depression.
In Australia the term SLD (Specific/Significant Learning Difficulty/Disability) or LD (Learning Difficulty) are still commonly being used interchangeably and as an umbrella term for a variety of difficulties which may or may not be dyslexia.
An often unconsidered and undetected consequence of dyslexia, anxiety is widely considered as a secondary symptom of dyslexia. Specific situations, tasks or events can trigger stress, anxiety and other negative thoughts in dyslexics.
Dyslexics become fearful because of their constant frustration and confusion in school. These feelings are exacerbated by the inconsistencies of dyslexia. Because they may anticipate failure, entering new situations can becomes extremely anxiety provoking. Anxiety causes human beings to avoid whatever frightens them.
Although dyslexia is not an emotional disorder, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, anger, low self-esteem and depression. Anxiety is the emotional symptom that adults with dyslexia experience the most. They become fearful because of their constant confusion and frustration at work or an educational setting.
People with dyslexia often get frustrated because no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to keep up with other students. They might feel that they're not as smart as their peers, and may cover up their problems by acting up in class or being the class clown.
The 4 types of dyslexia include phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder where the person often has difficulty reading and interpreting what they read.
These may include: reversing letters or the order of letters (after first grade); spelling phonetically; having accurate beginning and ending sounds but misspelling the word; not using words in writing that they would use in oral language; and disorganized writing, such as a lack of grammar, punctuation, or ...
It's linked to genes, which is why the condition often runs in families. You're more likely to have dyslexia if your parents, siblings, or other family members have it. The condition stems from differences in parts of the brain that process language.
Dyslexia and ADHD share several characteristics, including:
Both disorders can make learning, reading, or organizing your thoughts more challenging. ADHD and dyslexia could make it difficult to pay attention. They can exacerbate difficulties in communicating with others.
Dyslexia & NDIS – How you can use your NDIS funding
The list of disabilities covered by the NDIS is long, but dyslexia isn't on the list. However, you may already qualify for the NDIS and receive funding for a condition that meets the NDIS criteria, such as Autism.
People often confuse dyslexia and autism for one another or conflate them for their similarities. But they are two completely different disorders that affect the brains of people in different ways. While dyslexia is a learning difficulty, autism is a developmental disorder.
Dyslexia is recognised in Australian law under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and under the Human Rights Commission, however, NDIS funding is not available for those with just dyslexia.
All people, young and old, can experience overwhelming stress and exhibit signs of anxiety, but children, adolescents, and adults with dyslexia are particularly vulnerable.
Most people with dyslexia are, at least, average or above-average intelligence. Often children who fail to read and spell don't think of themselves as bright. It's very important that “dyslexic” students develop all their strengths.