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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Dyslexia Scotland A national Helpline for anyone to contact 0344 800 8484 or email helpline@dyslexiascotland.org.uk Training and resources for teachers A range of free publications for parents, teachers, people with dyslexia, employers and more

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 www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk If you are from a branch, you might want to talk about your branch here.

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