Coping with Dyslexia

Dyslexia is often referred to as 'the hidden handicap' yet is said to affect up to 10% of the population to some degree, the most common being poor reading, writing and spelling.  However symptoms are also:

• Confusion over places, times, dates
• Difficulty with planning and organisational skills
• Difficulty processing complex language or a long series of instructions at speed
• Taking longer than most to complete a piece of work or task
• Low self-esteem

Does this sound like someone you know?

Do you have a teenager studying for their GCSE's or A Levels - are they finding it unusually hard to cope?

Tips to help

• Try to focus on one thing at a time
• Prioritise, plan and stick to a routine
• Get into the habit of writing things down, use a computer, tape recorders etc
• Don't be afraid to ask for help - seek professional advice

There is no magic cure for dyslexia but with help it will be easier to cope.  A student, once assessed and confirmed as dyslexic, by an educational psychologist, may qualify for extra time in examinations - usually 25%.  If this is the case then you will need to advise your school/college so they can apply to the examination boards.

Coming to terms with dyslexia can be hard and it often helps to talk it through with someone who will really listen to you.