What Is Dyslexia?
Understand what dyslexia is, how it can affect reading, spelling, writing, memory and processing, and when a professional dyslexia assessment may help.

What Is Dyslexia?
Understanding dyslexia starts with understanding that everyone experiences it differently.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that can affect the development of skills involved in reading, spelling, writing and processing language.
However, dyslexia doesn't look exactly the same in every person.
One child may find reading particularly difficult while another reads reasonably well but struggles persistently with spelling, written work, memory or processing information.
Adults may have developed successful coping strategies but continue to find particular tasks much harder or more time-consuming than other people do.
How can dyslexia affect learning?
Dyslexia can be associated with difficulties across areas such as:
- reading accuracy or fluency
- spelling
- writing
- phonological processing
- working with sounds within words
- memory
- processing speed
- organising written thoughts.
The presence of one difficulty on its own doesn't mean somebody is dyslexic.
A professional assessment considers a much broader profile.
FAQs
Can dyslexia occur alongside other difficulties?
Is dyslexia a medical condition?
Can someone be dyslexic and still read well?
Does dyslexia only affect reading and spelling?
Is dyslexia something a person grows out of?
Is dyslexia linked to intelligence?
Wondering whether you or your child could be dyslexic?
You may find these pages helpful:
- Signs of Dyslexia
- How Is Dyslexia Diagnosed?
- Dyslexia Assessments
Or, if you aren't sure where to begin, speak to our team.
Trusted by Parents, Schools & Professionals
Contact Us
HQ Assessment Centre
Dyslexia West Midlands
Number 3, The Quadrant,
Coventry, CV1 2DY
Teaching Centre
51 Lynchgate Lane,
Burbage, LE10 2DR
Teaching Centre
Regus: Birmingham Blythe Valley Business Park, Central Boulevard, Solihull, Birmingham, B90 8AG
Free 15 minute Consultations available
Assessments for adults and children starting from £250
Need extra time for examinations?
We have specialist teachers that can conduct a FORM 8 for GCSE's and A levels. Please call or e mail to find out more.
Ready to Step Forward?
Whether you're a parent, an adult suspecting you might be dyslexic, or a school seeking clarity, Dyslexia West Midlands is here to help.



