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.

Child receiving one-to-one support with learning

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.

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Izzy Aylwin

I booked a dyslexia test earlier this year and was in a rush to meet my universities deadline. Dyslexia West Midlands were very considerate about the time pressure due to my deadline and I received my report much quicker than estimated. The test was carried out professionally and in a comfortable environment. I highly recommend if you are considering getting a dyslexia test.

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chrissy d

Our son had been struggling academically, socially and emotionally at school. The team have been so patient with him and employed many different strategies to enable him learn at his own level. Suzanne came in to do an observation on him at school and provided  a detailed report to the school, suggesting many strategies the school could try to enable him to access his learning more effectively, maintain concentration for longer and generally be happier at school.

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Camille Stedall

Thank you for all your assistance. We have found your team very supportive and helpful it’s be great to have your experienced advice and educational support.

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Martin Gould

I can't praise Suzanne and her team highly enough; very professional but with a relaxed manner which creates a great atmosphere for our 9 year old son to learn in.

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Michael John Bayley

After a discussion through a free consultation we decided to get my daughter assessed. The process was very simple and the report was very thorough. My daughter now feels more confident and happy in her approach to learning and school. Thanks Dyslexia West Midlands.

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Ulrike Nichols

I only called to get more information because my daughter (year 4) really struggles with spelling. Suzanne asked a number of very precise questions and suggested to do a vision test. Now my daughter has glasses and seems much more confident. We will see how that might affect her spelling but I would never have known that she might be struggling with  her vision. Thank you so much! I am beyond grateful.

Contact Us

0333 577 9422

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

0333 577 9422

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.

0333 577 9422

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Whether you're a parent, an adult suspecting you might be dyslexic, or a school seeking clarity, Dyslexia West Midlands is here to help.

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