Dyslexia
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a condition that affects how a person processes information; in general it causes difficulties with reading and spelling. However, it may also take longer to process spoken information and cause difficulties with working memory, making it harder for someone to retain and manipulate information. Many people with dyslexia are creative, ‘big picture’ thinkers with strong visual skills.
Common challenges experienced by students with dyslexia
Here are some of the challenges students with dyslexia may experience during their studies:
- Keeping up in lectures and taking accurate, concise notes.
- Maintaining concentration in lectures and when reading.
- Identifying the main points from lectures and texts, especially if the subject is abstract or complex.
- Working out what assignment briefs mean and how to tackle them.
- Getting ideas down on paper in a logical, well-structured way and phrasing ideas clearly and concisely.
- Proofreading their written work for mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Completing reading and writing tasks as quickly as their peers.
- Organising their time and meeting deadlines.
- Remembering appointments and tasks.
- Responding quickly to spoken questions in seminars and discussions.
- Demonstrating their full potential in exams.
