August 28, 2018

What Does It Mean to Be Dyslexic?

Dyslexia is the most common learning difficulty. As many as one in five people live with dyslexia. 

But what does dyslexia mean? And what everyday challenges might be faced for a person who is dyslexic?

The term Dyslexia comes from the Greek words ‘dys’ meaning difficult or poor and ‘lexis’ meaning language or words. Put simply, dyslexia means difficulty with words.

what does dyslexia mean

Words are all around us: written words, spoken words…it is impossible to avoid words. Having dyslexia is something you cannot escape.  

For more information about what dyslexia is, take a look at our post What is Dyslexia?

Most dyslexics have an average or high IQ. They have ‘difficulty with words’ but they are by no means stupid.

So, what is the meaning of dyslexia for those who have it?

It’s pretty hard to write down what dyslexics see or what problems dyslexic people have when they are reading. 

Having dyslexia is not just about struggling to read written text. It can be much more than that.

We asked some dyslexic, ‘what does it mean to be dyslexic?’ Here’s what they said:

‘I understand stuff really well, I just find it hard to read the words.’ – Emily, 10

‘I can’t get my thoughts down on paper.’ – Ebony, 11

‘You can sometimes feel pretty alone when everyone else around you is enjoying reading and you just can’t keep up.’ – Tyrone, 9

‘Before I found out I was dyslexic, teachers thought I just didn’t listen and didn’t do what I was told. But I find it really hard to remember more than one or two instructions at a time.’ – Mateo, 14

‘I sometimes pretend I’m ill so that I don’t have to go to school.’ – Ben, 13

  

Having – and understanding – dyslexia can be pretty overwhelming. But it’s not all bad. Some kids even say that dyslexia is their superpower!

We know that the brain of a dyslexic person is wired differently. Science has proved this. That different wiring can often create strengths in other areas.

People with dyslexia are right brain dominant. 

dyslexia and the brain

Scientists have discovered that the different hemispheres – or sides – of the brain are linked to different skills:

It’s pretty interesting to see how brain dominance can dictate strengths and weaknesses. 

Here’s another infographic that plots some of the areas that dyslexics often shine in as well as the skills they sometimes struggle with.

There are some pretty awesome strengths in there and there are heaps of famous dyslexics who have used those strengths with huge success. Here are just a few:

famous people with dyslexia

Life as a dyslexic is certainly not a walk in the park, particularly in the school years when so much focus is on reading, listening and writing in the classroom. But life can be made easier.

  • Your child will learn to read most effectively by being taught using a systematic synthetic phonics programme;
  • Identify and focus on your child’s strengths;
  • Recognise and acknowledge the areas they struggle with;
  • Make use of available assistive technologies;
  • See dyslexia as a learning difference not a learning disability.

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