In a dyslexia-friendly Scotland, everyone will understand what dyslexia is – and what it isn’t. This page gives a simple explanation and the formal Scottish working definition.

Dyslexia – a simple explanation

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference. It mainly affects how a person processes the sounds in words – this ability is called phonological awareness.

For example, a person with dyslexia has difficulty:

knowing that “cat” has three sounds: c-a-t
being able to say what word you get if you take the ‘s’ off of ‘stop’ (you get ‘top’)
rhyming words like ’cow’ and ‘now’
understanding the difference between similar sounding words, like ‘have’ and ‘half’
blending sounds together to make words.

Phonological awareness is a key building block for learning to read and spell.

Someone with dyslexia can also have difficulties with:

Working memory – for example, remembering a set of instructions or holding a phone number in your mind long enough to dial it

Processing speed – taking longer to name familiar things like colours, letters, or numbers (sometimes called ‘rapid naming’)

What challenges are related to dyslexia?

Difficulties with phonological awareness, memory and processing speed can make reading, writing, spelling skills harder. They can also affect everyday tasks at school, work and home, such as organisational skills.

What can help?

Early identification – being identified and having the right support early on in life leads to better attainment in school, greater confidence and more positive mental health.
Inclusive learning and work environments that allow people to have effective adjustments for their individual needs, for example, in exams or at work.
Skills in self-advocacy, to ask for the support that works best for them in any situation.

Everyone is unique

Everyone with dyslexia is different and has different strengths, difficulties and strategies that work for them. It is important that the individual develops their unique skills and interests, which can help manage some of their difficulties.

More dyslexia facts

Around 1 in 10 people in Scotland are dyslexic.
Dyslexia exists in all cultures.
Dyslexia often runs in the family – it’s genetic.
It often co-occurs with other conditions, for example ADHD or dyscalculia.
It’s not related intelligence.
Dyslexia can be classed as a disability under the Equality Act (2010).

Scottish working definition of dyslexia

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:

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.

Getting help

To find out more or get help, 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.