The word "dyslexia" comes from the Greek phrase meaning "a difficulty with words". Dyslexia is primarily an information processing difficulty that affects language. As a result, the dyslexic individual may have problems with handling verbal codes and/or symbols, both when translating written symbols into speech and spoken words into written symbols. About 4% of the population is severely dyslexic, but many more have mild forms of dyslexia. The severity can range from slight difficulties in spelling to an almost complete inability to make sense of the written word.
Along with difficulties in reading, writing, spelling and number skills, the dyslexic individual may have problems with short-term memory, for example remembering a string of instructions or a telephone number. They may also have word finding difficulties, problems with other spoken skills and personal organsiation and sequencing difficulties.
This may impact on a individual's performance in school, university or the workplace. At the same time, many dyslexic people are extremely creative, good at lateral thinking and problem solving and can excel in the arts, design, architecture and computing.
Dyslexia is still not well understood by the general population, with some still believing that dyslexia equates to a lack of intellectual ability. This is a myth, dyslexia can occur at any level of intelligence. It is not the result of poor motivation or emotional disturbance but it can occur alongside these or even result in emotional difficulties, such as low self-esteem. Some individuals may not realise that they are dyslexic, others may try to hid it from fear of it affecting their job opportunities or others' confidence in their ability to function satisfactorily within society.
Dyslexia is now recognised as a disability as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. As such, a dyslexic person should not be excluded from employment unless their disability significantly impedes the individual from doing the work for which they are employed. Employers should not discriminate against dyslexic people in recruitment, promotion, training or dimissal processes. Employers are required to provide a working environment in which the dyslexic employee is able to function at their full potential and make reasonable adjustments in the environment if necesary.
Dyslexia Screening Online
amidyslexic.com is a web based screening measure designed to identify adults at risk of dyslexia and literacy difficulties. It is quick and affordable and offers immediate feedback and advice.
Developed by a team of psychologists, amidyslexic.com is based on the latest research and is standardised on nearly two thousand individuals from all walks of life.
Unique Features
- Based on-up-to-date research and understanding of dyslexia and the current BDA definition of dyslexia.
- Simple, quick and easy to operate.
- It does not require a specialist to interpret the results.
- The test adapts itself to the individual user thereby offering a unique assessment.
- Feedback can be immediate or controlled by the provider.
- Results include both strengths and weaknesses.
- Advice offered on where to go for further help should that be relevant
Art student: S.B. London, 2005
Visit amidyslexic.com today for further information.
