New report highlights need for early identification of dyslexia

Identifying dyslexia in childhood could prevent mental health difficulties in later life, a new report finds. The research highlights inequities for Scotland’s dyslexic population.

Dyslexia Scotland and the University of Glasgow published a report on the experiences of people with dyslexia in Scotland to understand the barriers that this population faces. The report was launched at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

The charity carried out an in-depth national survey of over 1400 adults to capture a baseline for building a dyslexia-friendly Scotland.

The survey revealed that people with dyslexia report higher levels of depression and anxiety than the general population. This is thought to be a result of academic struggles, social stigma, bullying and the continuous effort to manage dyslexia in daily life.

Those who had received a professional identification reported a more positive impact on their career and education.

Findings also reveal that people identified with dyslexia during their education years reported lower rates of anxiety and depression compared to those identified as adults.

The detailed report highlights that there are no free dyslexia assessment services in Scotland for adults or young people aged 16 to 18 years not in education. Currently, the only available option is to pay for an independent professional assessment which can cost from £300.

Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland, said: “The messages emerging from the research are very clear: professional identification of dyslexia has a positive effect on someone’s education, career and wellbeing, and the earlier the better. Yet 80% of participants said that the cost of assessment is a barrier to them, meaning that many people will never access a formal identification.

“That’s why our report recommendations urge the Scottish Government to provide free or subsidised dyslexia assessments and to ensure that teachers are trained to understand dyslexia, the identification process and how to support children and young people in their school years.”

Dr Jeremy Law, Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, said: “This research is a critically important baseline for Scotland’s ambition to become a dyslexia-friendly country. Our survey revealed that many adults and young people continue to face significant challenges in their daily lives, education and workplaces. But there is much to be optimistic about, too. There are clear actions we can take as a nation to improve long-term outcomes for children and young people with dyslexia here in Scotland.”

The report, which is sponsored by legal firm Morton Fraser MacRoberts, was launched at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday as part of Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland 2024 which runs from 30 September to 6 October.