A diagnostic assessment of dyslexia uses definitions from The Rose Report (2009), The British Dyslexia Association (2010) and SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (2005):
- 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.
- Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.
- Some dyslexics may have visual and auditory processing difficulties.
- Any combination of abilities and difficulties can affect the learning process.
- Some have strengths in other areas such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills.
- Older dyslexics may have difficulty coping with required reading due to difficulties skimming and scanning written material.
- Students might have trouble expressing their ideas clearly in written form in a style appropriate to the level of study.
- There may be weaknesses in working memory, speed of processing, sequencing skills, auditory and/or visual perception, spoken language and motor skills.
- Visuo-spatial skills are less likely to be impaired and may be outstanding.
- Assistive technology is often found to be very beneficial.
Can you stop being dyslexic?
SpLDs are lifelong and can often cause specific difficulties in education and work. If a person has a good understanding of their strengths and areas of difficulty then they can begin to overcome challenges and find ways to work around them. The recommendations made in a full diagnostic report will help individuals to manage their own progress, be more confident and experience more success.
What are dyslexic strengths?
Dyslexia can also bring with it many strengths! The person you are thinking of may also have excellent skills in some of the following areas:
- Good problem solvers
- Creative
- Observant
- High levels of empathy
- Excellent big picture thinkers
- Good at making connections
- Strong narrative reasoning
- Three-dimensional thinking
