Dyslexia Defined: ‘All you need to know in 15 minutes!’ Mark Sherin School Radio 4 Learning Comenius Regio

Definition of Dyslexia Rose Report on Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and literacy Difficulties (2009): ‘Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.

Speech and Language pronouncing, perceiving and manipulating the sounds of language (hand burger) pronouncing, perceiving and manipulating the sounds of language (hand burger) finding words (thingy / what’s it’s name?) finding words (thingy / what’s it’s name?) remembering verbal information remembering verbal information understanding and constructing language at speed (especially instructions and order sequences) understanding and constructing language at speed (especially instructions and order sequences)

Dyslexia Defined Memory (short term and working) Verbal Processing Phonological Awareness

Definition of Dyslexia continued… Dyslexia occurs across a range of intellectual abilities. (Dyslexia is an equal opportunity disability regardless of intelligence, race, class, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. ) It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.

Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well founded intervention.’

Dyslexia: Signs & Symptoms SpellingReadingWritingOrganisation Sequences and order Handwriting Motor Coordination Space and Time Speech and Language Short term memory Strengths

Poor motivation Poor motivation Low self confidence Low self confidence Lack of achievement Lack of achievement Frustration Frustration Common Consequences of Dyslexia /SpLD?

Dyslexia as a Recognised Disability in England Dyslexia England Professional then political recognition Scientific evidence base Legal protection

Dyslexia Training Impact in Southwark