2. Dyslexia is very common
Affects 1 in 10 people
Ranges from mild to severe
1 in 4 people are severely affected
Often runs in the family

3. Reading, writing and spelling
Letters ‘swim or jump’ around
Similar looking letters get confused(e.g. b and d)
Can’t remember common letter patterns in spelling
Can verbally describe well but can’t write it down
Here are some examples of things that some people with dyslexia can find difficult.

4. Other common things Poor short-term memory (names, numbers)
Problems with time keeping, managing
tasks, organisational skills
Difficulty following instructions or sequences
Children with dyslexia will often be very tired because of these extra difficulties.

5. Important!
Everyone is different and dyslexia affects people in different ways. Not everyone with dyslexia will experience the same things.
Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence – some of the most successful business people are dyslexic.
Lord Allan Sugar

6. The Rivers effect
Here is an example of visual difficulties that some people with dyslexia can experience.

7. The See-saw effect
Here’s another example. Remember that not everyone with dyslexia will experience this.

8. Say the colour not the word
Exercise
Ask people to read out load the colours not the word.
So they should say:
Green, orange, blue, black, red and so on.
The idea of this exercise is to show what it’s like when your brain has to work extra hard – and it can be like this for people with dyslexia.

9. But people with dyslexia also have many strengths…
Creative, out of the box thinkers
Problem solving skills
Good verbal and ‘people’ skills

10. Well known people with dyslexia
A few well known faces with dyslexia.
Top row from left to right
Jamie Oliver – chef
Sir Steve Redgrave – olympic rower
Michelle Mone – entrepreneur
Bottom row from left to right
Keira Knightley – actor
Henry Winkler – The Fonz actor
Holly Willoughy – TV presenter
Richard Branson - entrepreneur

11. There is lots that can help
Greater awareness and understanding at
school, in the workplace and everywhere
Computer technology
Coloured paper and overlays
More teacher training
People sharing their stories and experiences

12. Dyslexia Scotland A national Helpline for anyone to contactor
Training and resources for teachers
A range of free publications for parents, teachers, people with dyslexia, employers and more

13. Find out more at www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk
A network of volunteer-led branches across Scotland
An Adult Network for people to share experiences and ideas
A quarterly magazine for members including a special children’s edition each year
Find out more at
If you are from a branch, you might want to talk about your branch here.

14. Connect with us www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk Dyslexia Scotland
Connect with us
Dyslexia Scotland
A Life Less Ordinary
@dyslexiascotlan