Dyslexia

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What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can typically impact reading, writing and spelling.  1 in 10 people in the UK are dyslexic.

Challenges associated

Every individual with dyslexia experiences dyslexia in their own way, but it can be associated with:

☀️Slower reading

☀️ Difficulty in pronouncing and spelling words

☀️Reduced short term memory.

☀️Slower verbal processing speed. This may make the following challenging: taking note, report writing, essays, remembering information and organising what they what to say challenging.

Strengths associated.

Dyslexia does NOT impact intelligence. Many dyslexic individuals have above average IQ. Dyslexic individuals have many amazing strengths and skills!

☀️Creative

☀️Empathetic

☀️Great critical thinking

☀️Big picture thinking – can think outside the box

☀️Great at solving puzzles and problems.

☀️Observent

☀️Strong visual spatial skills

☀️High emotional intelligence

Anonymous student nurse stated: “In practice I notice my dyslexia when trying to spell or pronounce complex long medical words. Although I do find that I am very good at thinking outside the box and thinking critically. I often see a solution to a situation before others do! I don’t appreciate when practice supervisors comment on my slow processing, giving me the time I need to learn new information or perform a task will improve my confidence and in time I will become a whizz at the task. A bit of patience goes a long way!

Guidance from the British Dyslexia Association offers some information about the diagnostic criteria for dyslexia.

How you can support colleagues and students who have Dyslexia?

  • Have patience! Please don’t comment on the speed of an individual might be. Give people the time they need.

  • Allow the individual to put the strategies they need into action. (e.g. record conversations with in reason and with permission, use highlighters, print hand over notes or documents to write on.

  • Recognise the individual for who they are and find out how you can support them as an individual. This may be as simple as asking the individual how you can best support them and understand how they learn.

  • Educate yourself about the challenges and strengths of dyslexia.
  • Be mindful!
  • Be kind!
  • Creat dyslexia friendly documents

Click on the 2 resources below

Dyslexia friendly formatting guidance

Made by dyslexia guidance