What is Dyslexia?
So what is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a type of specific learning difficulty (SLD) in which an individual has difficulties with language and words. The most common feature is that people have difficulty reading and spelling, and for no obvious reason. The person may be intelligent, given the same education as his/her peers, able to do well in other areas and but is unable to read at the expected level. General problem areas include reading, spelling, comprehension and identification of words. Up to five per cent of the population are thought to have dyslexia. See our list of famous people with dyslexia.
The term Dyslexia is commonly used as an umbrella term for all of the following conditions or labels.
- Dyslexia - Reading and spelling problems.
- Dysgraphia - Handwriting problems.
- Dyscalculia - Math problems.
- Dyspraxia - Balance and co-ordination problems.
- ADD/ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The exact causes for dyslexia are unknown. While most people affected eventually learn to read, they may have severe spelling problems unless they get support and specialised education. It can’t be mentioned enough, but dyslexia is NOT a symptom of low intelligence. For example, Leonardo Da Vinci and Thomas Edison had dyslexia. Both were extremely intelligent and creative people.