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• dyslexia is a learning difficulty (or difference) that primarily affects the skills involved in spelling, accurate, and fluent word reading

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• dyslexia is on a continuum and occurs across a range of intellectual abilities

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• additional difficulties may be seen in aspects of: language, motor coordination,  mental calculation, concentration, and personal organisation

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• a good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds to well informed intervention

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(Sir J Rose, 2009, Identifying and Teaching Children with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties)

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Do I have dyslexia? - click here for common symptoms

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The BDA Management Board adopted Sir Jim Rose’s definition with the addition of a further paragraph:

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“In addition to these characteristics, the BDA acknowledges the visual processing difficulties that some individuals with dyslexia can experience, and points out that dyslexic readers can show a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process. Some also have strengths in other areas such as: design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills, and oral skills.”

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Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Difficulty that affects auditory memory and processing speed which impacts on literacy development, mathematics, memory, organisation, and sequencing skills to varying degrees. Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual development. It is neurological in origin and is seen to run in families. It affects up to 10% of the UK population at some level; it can affect anyone of any age and background.  

(Dyslexia SpLD-Trust march 2015)