Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties, affecting around 10% of the UK population to varying degrees. While it primarily influences how children process language, it often extends beyond reading difficulties, affecting self-esteem, academic performance, and social interactions. Understanding how dyslexia affects children in school, as well as how it can continue to shape lives into adulthood, is crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers.
Dyslexia in Primary Schools
At the primary level, early signs of dyslexia may appear as struggles with reading, writing, and spelling. Children may experience difficulty recognising letters and sounds, leading to slower reading development compared to their peers. This can result in frustration and a lack of confidence, particularly if the issue is not identified early on. Dyslexia is often mistaken for a lack of intelligence or effort, but in reality, children with dyslexia usually have average or above-average intelligence.
Key Areas Affected:
- Reading and Spelling: One of the earliest indicators of dyslexia is difficulty in learning to read, particularly in phonemic awareness – understanding how sounds map to letters. Spelling also tends to be a challenge.
- Memory: Short-term memory, particularly around language and numbers, is another area often affected. A child may have trouble remembering instructions or recalling words during a conversation.
- Writing and Comprehension: Dyslexic children may have issues with writing coherently and often find it difficult to organise their thoughts on paper. Their comprehension of written material can be slower, though they often understand spoken words just as well as their peers.
Emotional Impact:
Children with dyslexia frequently feel alienated when they see classmates excel in reading and writing. If left unsupported, this can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioural issues. It’s important for teachers to recognise the signs early and offer appropriate interventions, such as personalised learning plans or extra time for reading tasks.
Dyslexia in Secondary Schools
As children with dyslexia progress into secondary school, their academic challenges can intensify, as the curriculum becomes more text-heavy and complex. The shift from learning to read to reading to learn often puts additional pressure on students with dyslexia, exacerbating their difficulties in comprehension, note-taking, and revision.
Key Areas Affected:
- Organisation and Time Management: Secondary school students are required to manage a more complex schedule, with multiple subjects and more independent study. Dyslexic students often struggle with organising their work, meeting deadlines, and remembering tasks.
- Mathematics and STEM Subjects: Though often associated with literacy, dyslexia can also affect students’ ability to grasp mathematical concepts, particularly those that involve word problems or require multi-step reasoning. This can extend to other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, where written instructions and problem-solving processes are key.
- Examinations: Secondary education places a heavy emphasis on written exams. Students with dyslexia may find it difficult to express their understanding under time constraints, even if they know the material. The anxiety of exams can amplify their difficulties.
Emotional and Social Impact:
By secondary school, the emotional toll of dyslexia may be more apparent. Many students may feel isolated or develop a sense of failure. Without the right support, this can lead to disengagement from school and, in some cases, behavioural concerns. Socially, teens with dyslexia might struggle with communication or feel embarrassed about their reading or writing abilities, making it harder for them to form friendships or feel confident in group settings.
How Dyslexia Affects People into Adulthood
Dyslexia does not disappear after schooling. It continues to affect individuals into adulthood, although many develop coping strategies. Adults with dyslexia may still struggle with tasks that require strong reading, writing, and organisational skills, but they can thrive in areas that require creativity, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning.
Key Challenges in Adulthood:
- Workplace Struggles: Dyslexia can affect career choices and progression. Tasks that require reading reports, writing emails, or managing schedules may be more challenging. This can lead to reduced job satisfaction, stress, and difficulty advancing in a career, especially if workplaces are not accommodating.
- Higher Education: Many adults pursue further education, where dyslexia can pose challenges in processing large volumes of text, writing essays, or taking exams. However, universities in the UK often provide support, such as assistive technology and extra time in assessments.
- Daily Life: In daily life, dyslexia can affect tasks like reading instructions, following written directions, or managing finances. Adults may also find it difficult to balance work, home life, and other responsibilities due to organisational challenges.
Emotional Well-Being:
Self-esteem issues often persist into adulthood. Adults with dyslexia might feel “different” or inadequate in a society that places high value on literacy skills. However, many individuals find that their strengths, such as creative thinking and innovation, help them excel in fields like entrepreneurship, art, or design.
Support and Resources
In the UK, both schools and workplaces are legally required to provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with dyslexia under the Equality Act 2010. This may include:
- Assistive Technology: Tools such as text-to-speech software or audiobooks can help students and adults with dyslexia process information more effectively.
- Extra Time in Exams: Both primary and secondary students are eligible for extra time or other exam accommodations to help level the playing field.
- Specialist Support: Trained dyslexia specialists can provide targeted interventions, including phonics-based reading programs or one-on-one tutoring.
Conclusion
Dyslexia can present significant challenges in both educational and professional settings, affecting children’s academic development and adults’ work and personal lives. However, with early identification, appropriate support, and understanding, children with dyslexia can thrive in school, and adults can succeed in their chosen careers. The key lies in recognising dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a different way of processing the world – one that comes with its own set of unique strengths.
Educators, parents, and employers all play a critical role in fostering an environment where people with dyslexia can achieve their full potential, proving that dyslexia is not a barrier to success but an invitation to explore alternative ways of thinking.