Up to 10% of People May Have Dyslexia - Many Are Still Unaware

Dyslexia is more common than many realise, affecting up to 10% of the population. Despite its prevalence, a large portion of individuals with dyslexia remain undiagnosed. Often mistaken for just a reading or writing issue, dyslexia is a complex learning difference that impacts various aspects of information processing.

Understanding Dyslexia: More Than Just Reading and Writing

Dyslexia is a neurological difference that affects how the brain processes information, making it harder to interpret, remember, and organise what is seen or heard. While it is most commonly associated with difficulties in reading and writing, dyslexia affects much more than literacy skills. It can impact tasks like spelling, understanding directions, time management, and even recalling spoken information.

Dyslexia doesn’t reflect a lack of intelligence or ability; rather, it is a unique way of processing information. People with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words or organising their thoughts on paper, but many also demonstrate strengths in problem-solving, creativity, and big-picture thinking. These strengths, however, may go unrecognised if dyslexia is not identified early.

Why Are So Many Unaware?

One of the main reasons people remain unaware of their dyslexia is that its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Individuals with dyslexia compensate for their challenges without realising there’s an underlying cause. Some may develop strategies to mask their difficulties, leading to delayed diagnosis or no diagnosis at all. This is especially true in older children, teenagers, and adults who may have faced years of undiagnosed dyslexia, often resulting in frustration and a lack of confidence in their abilities.

The Impact on Learning and Literacy

Dyslexia affects a person's ability to process and remember what they see and hear, which can directly impact their learning experience. For example, a student with dyslexia may find it difficult to follow written instructions, keep track of multiple steps in a task, or absorb information from a lesson. As a result, they may fall behind in subjects that rely heavily on reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression.

These challenges can extend beyond the classroom. Many people with dyslexia may struggle with organising daily tasks, remembering verbal information, or following written directions, leading to frustration at work or in personal life. The cognitive strain caused by dyslexia can also lead to anxiety, stress, and a loss of confidence in one's abilities, especially if the individual has never understood why they struggle in certain areas.

Early Identification and Support: The Key to Success

The earlier dyslexia is identified, the better. Early diagnosis allows individuals to access specialised support and accommodations that can make a significant difference in their learning and overall well-being. Interventions such as multi-sensory learning, extra time for reading and writing tasks, and the use of assistive technology (like text-to-speech software) can help people with dyslexia overcome their challenges and achieve success in school and beyond.

One of the most important steps in helping those with dyslexia is raising awareness. By educating parents, teachers, and employers about the signs of dyslexia and how it affects more than just reading and writing, we can ensure that more individuals get the support they need.

It's crucial to change the perception of dyslexia from being a deficit to recognising the strengths of dyslexic thinking. With the right interventions and support, people with dyslexia can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.