Finding a definition of dyslexia is simple. Finding one we all can agree on is challenging. In January 2009, the Scottish Government, Dyslexia Scotland and the Cross-Party Group on Dyslexia in the Scottish Parliament agreed on the following working definition:

Scottish working definition of dyslexia

Dyslexia can be described as a continuum of difficulties in learning to read, write and/or spell, which persist despite the provision of appropriate learning opportunities. These difficulties often do not reflect an individual’s cognitive abilities and may not be typical of performance in other areas. The impact of dyslexia as a barrier to learning varies in degree according to the learning and teaching environment, as there are often associated difficulties such as:

auditory and /or visual processing of language-based information
phonological awareness
oral language skills and reading fluency
short-term and working memory
sequencing and directionality
number skills
organisational ability.

Dyslexia exists in all cultures and across the range of abilities and socio-economic backgrounds. It is a hereditary, life-long, neurodevelopmental condition.

Learners with dyslexia will benefit from early identification, appropriate intervention and targeted effective teaching, enabling them to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

So, dyslexia can affect the way you communicate and it’s different for everyone. Unidentified and unsupported, dyslexia can result in low self-esteem, high stress and under-achievement. People with dyslexia will benefit from early identification, and, with support, can find ways to learn which suit them better.

To find out more, contact our Helpline

Recognising strengths

It’s important to remember that everyone with dyslexia is different and that they will not all experience all of these things. Everyone has different strengths, difficulties and strategies that work for them. It is important to recognise the individual’s own strengths. These resources help people with dyslexia to identify and nurture their strengths.