Approximately 10 per cent of the British population are dyslexic
Dyslexia is a Greek word meaning ‘difficulty with words’. Dyslexia occurs independently of intelligence and is a Specific Learning Difficulty in relation to information processing.
People with dyslexia may have difficulty processing and remembering information that they see and hear. This can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills.
Dyslexic people often have strong visual, creative and problem solving skills and are prominent among entrepreneurs, inventors, architects, engineers and in the arts and entertainment world.
How it feels to be dyslexic
- ‘I see things from a different perspective.’
- ‘When I am reading, occasionally a passage will get jumbled up, but when it happens I have to read and re-read the passage over again.’
- ‘I know what I want to say, but I can never find the right words.’
- ”It’s like my computer crashing with too much information.’
Source: British Dyslexia Association
Concerned about Dyslexia?
If you are concerned that you may be dyslexic and this is impacting on your work, for example impeding your career development or you are struggling with planning or having difficulty communicating with colleagues, it may be helpful for you to complete the Adult Checklist at http://j.mp/qYnf2h.
This won’t provide enough detailed information for a diagnostic assessment, but can be useful and a pointer towards future assessment needs. It contains questions that are predictive of dyslexia.
Contact
If you have any concerns about dyslexia and want more advice and guidance, please contact Occupational Health on ext 3187 or email occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk.
Online resources
British Dyslexia Association
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Hampshire Dyslexia Association
T: 02380 333 345
E: help@hantsda.org.uk
W: www.hantsda.org.uk
BBCthree
http://j.mp/mWn8w4
Dont call me stupid’: Actress Kara Tointon dreams about reading a novel cover to cover. Standing in her way is her dyslexia. ‘I want to know where my personality begins and dyslexia ends. I’m fed up with putting things on hold and having this vision that one day I’m going to be something different to who I am now.’
Source: British Dyslexia Association
