Dyslexia. It affects approximately 10% of the population. 1 in 10 of us has Dyslexia. But what is Dyslexia? What is it like to live with Dyslexia and how does Dyslexia affect a person’s day to day living?
Dyslexia is derived from a Greek word. ‘Dys’ meaning poor or inadequate and ‘Lexis’ which is the meaning for words or language. It is a spectrum disorder which commonly runs in families, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Those affected can experience difficulty with spelling, reading and writing. It can also affect the memory and the ability to retain information. So timetables, the alphabet and remembering peoples name can be a challenge. Even something that would seem straight forward to others such as walking to work in the morning can be difficult.
A brilliant oral response or answer may be giving but it is a struggle to write thoughts down. This can lead to underperformance throughout life. School is something that can be a very stressful experience as Dyslexia can go undetected for some time, with the student becoming frustrated and as a result of this can start to misbehave. Struggling to learn like others this is usually the point where the lack of confidence starts to set in and the desire to be invisible when learning. It is key that the correct tools and help are available in the early years so that a child with Dyslexia can learn and achieve to their best.
Dyslexics can also suffer with Audio Sequential Deficit. This is when a word is spoken but something different is heard.
Dyslexia can be seen as a hindrance to one’s life but it can also be a great gift. There is a growing number of academics who believe there is a positive side to Dyslexia. A dyslexic can master certain skills faster than those without the condition. They think differently and can have specific talents. It is often said that easy tasks are hard and hard tasks are easy.
Now for the science behind Dyslexia. There are certain areas of the left hemisphere in the brain which are very different in those with Dyslexia. The left hemisphere is the language part of the brain. A dyslexic’s brain is not damaged in anyway, it is just simply different.
There are many successful and famous dyslexic people that have walked this world. Leonardo De Vinci, Michael Angelo, Albert Einstein, Tom Cruise, Richard Branson and many more.
Richard Branson had no understanding at school and when he started his first business he was unable to tell the difference between net and gross profit. Even so, he became one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. Many dyslexics grow up to be entrepreneurs as they show a lack of fear when risk taking.
There are many myths I wish to settle when it comes to Dyslexia. Dyslexia is not rare, it is not a visual impairment, it is not a hearing impediment, and people with Dyslexia can read! It is simply just a brain created differently...and here at Freedom of Speech we celebrate this and provide our Dyslexic users with the tools and equipment needed for their success.
Some members of our Freedom of Speech team are dyslexic so we understand first hand how you are feeling and can relate to your experiences. The frustration and the determination to succeed is something that we have felt ourselves at one or more points in our lives.
If you would like advice on the products and services we offer to help with your Dyslexic journey, please do get in touch with us.
‘Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts’ – Albert Einstein
