It has a neurological basis and is characterised by delays in literacy development that are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities, and have been resistant to appropriate educational opportunities.

Underlying factors include weaknesses in working memory, difficulties with phonological processing (mapping sound patterns onto letters) and speed of processing information, which create barriers to learning.  Dyslexia is a condition that can affect people of all ages and abilities.

Characteristics commonly associated with dyslexia:                                          

►        Unexplained difficulties with literacy

►        Standard of reading and writing falls below that expected for ability  

►        Difficulty remembering instructions, lists, telephone numbers

►        Inconsistent spelling - spell the same word in a variety of ways

►        Able to answer questions orally but unable to write them down

►        Difficulty organising written work – stories, essays, reports

►        Difficulty telling right from left or reading maps                           

►        Disorganised - lose possessions, forget appointments

►        Lack confidence in own abilities – poor self esteem and motivation