What is dyslexia - Indigo Dyslexia Centre

What Is Dyslexia?

First and most important of all, as a Parent or an individual who may be trying to come to terms with an issue with the children at school or at the workplace that could be Dyslexia related, you need be reassured that Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence.

The word Dyslexia comes from the Greek language, “dys” meaning bad or abnormal and “lexis” meaning word, which are then combined to form the composite word Dyslexia. The definition of Dyslexia in any non medical dictionary will probably simply state: “dyslexia- a difficulty in learning to read or spell unrelated to intellectual ability”.

Through current experience and further educational based scientific analysis, Dyslexia today includes a more comprehensive list of characteristics than just plain difficulty with reading and spelling. Educationalists now recognise that Dyslexia is a complex neurological condition that relates to how the brain perceives and processes external information. It can affect not only proficiency in respect of the traditional disciplines of reading, writing and spelling but many other aspects of the learning process.

For example Dyslexics may have difficulties, that can vary significantly between individuals, characterised by some or all of the following:

Phonological or pronunciation difficulties where syllables of words are
not recognised and consequently not spoken correctly. This hinders
reading progress.

Short term memory issues where for example immediate information or
instructions are not retained. This unfortunately can give the impression
of lack of concentration.

Long term memory issues where previous information stored such as
dates, formulae etc cannot be easily recalled for subsequent re-use. This
can give the impression of forgetfulness.

Processing Speed where problems arise in absorbing new information
     in order to learn. For example slow processing might result in loss of
     interest or concentration if the source material is not being digested or
     mentally scanned efficiently.

Organisational issues, typically this will involve problems relating to
managing, retrieving information, scheduling and prioritising tasks.

Motor skills, this may be exampled by lack of ability at skilled games
involving eye and hand co-ordination, being hopeless at Sport or
perceived as being clumsy or accident prone around the home.

These characteristics are clearly indicative of a cognitive processing pattern which appears to differ from that of the non-Dyslexic brain. However that difference is not related to Intelligence or Intellectual ability.

Although these characteristics may be described as differences or even weaknesses it is not in dispute that Dyslexics often exhibit superior characteristics in other areas which do not exist to the same degree in non-dyslexics.

For example it is generally accepted that Dyslexics can be extremely creative, deploying significant superiority in terms of lateral thought, problem solving through in depth concept thinking and pronounced skills in visual-spatial areas such as Art, Design and Architecture.

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