There are many famous people with Dyslexia.
Richard Branson, Jamie Oliver, Einstein –Three of the world’s most famous dyslexics!
Dyslexia isn’t a disability; it’s a learning difference! The brain thinks and works differently!
Many of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, artists, actors and sporting stars have been able to turn their dyslexia into a positive talent and go on to INSPIRE the world and those around them. Forward thinking companies harness the special talents of dyslexics.
The most quoted company is NASSA, who recognise two of the special dyslexic talents of Spacial Awareness and superior Problem Solving Abilities. Now over 50% of NASSA’S staff are dyslexic.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is an unexpected learning difficulty which firstly affects the ability to read and spell accurately and is one of a number of varying difficulties grouped under the term SpLD: Specific Learning Difficulties.
SpLD is often referred as the more technical name of Neuro-diversity.
Neuro-diversity is a collective concept of differing neurological variations in the way that the brain works to process information and each variation is given a name.
The most common SpLD’s are: Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Dyscalculia and Tourettes Syndrome.
SpLD.
The term: Specific learning difficulty (SpLD) is used to describe differences or difficulties in some areas of learning, or the way that the brain presents information to us. SpLD’s can exist no matter what social, intellectual, language background or ability that you have.
An individual can have more than one SpLD and the SpLD’s can range from very mild to very severe. Many co-occur and are multi-faceted with each individuals strengths and weaknesses unique to them.
The brain constantly processes a massive amount of information and the way that an individual does this is recognised as, ‘Their Individual Cognitive Profile.’ An individual with an SpLD will exhibit a spiky profile with strengths and weaknesses compared to the flatter profile of someone without. An individual with an SpLD, processes information differently to the norm.
Characteristics of Dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills. It is usually present at birth and it is likely to be life-long and persistent in its effects.It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities.It tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods but its effects can be mitigated by appropriate and specific intervention. Dyslexic individuals often have outstanding talents in other areas.
How can I tell if I, or my child is Dyslexic?
Look at the Quiz below. Answer the questions. If the answer to many of the questions is yes you may be dyslexic. Alternatively I can provide a screening assessment.
Do I get mixed up with my right and left?
Do I lose my place when reading?
Do the words seem to move?D
Do I find it difficult to remember things that have been said?
Am I clumsy?
Can I see my own mistakes?
Am I unhappy at school?
Do I get really tired when I am at school?
Do I find copying from the board hard?
Do I find it easier to talk about things than to write them down?
Is my handwriting untidy?Am I disorganised?
Is my work messy with lots of crossing out?
Do I find it difficult to write down what I want to say?
Do I mess around so that I can hide fact that I find it difficult?
Do I use caPiTals in the wrong places?
Do I miss out words?
Assessment for Dyslexia or SpLD.
I am a fully qualified teacher and assessor for SpLD (Dyslexia). I use recommended tests and communicate with the individual, schools and parents to build a full profile of each individual.
For advice and full details of screening assessments and diagnostic testing please click here.
Teaching for dyslexics
After carefully assessing students’ abilities and talents, I tailor my lessons to those strengths using a metacognitive approach. I aim to engage my students through an enjoyable, stimulating, multi-sensory learning environment. This enables confidence and self esteem to be developed, whereupon the building bricks for learning can be embedded and students can reach their potential. High expectations are paramount but goals are realistic and achievable. Much of my students learning and progress is based upon identifying pupils’ strengths and weaknesses, their preferred learning styles and areas for development. A learning profile is created unique to each individual student and an individualised learning program is established.
By carefully harnessing the students strengths, I can make it easier for the student to progress in a way they enjoy and learn more effectively. I can target school subjects, help with specific exams and assignments and help
with exam preparation.
