Dyslexia Awareness Week 2021

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2021 takes place between October 4^th and October 10^th. Dyslexia comes with many challenges and, sadly, many people in the community feel like their struggles are unseen. As dyslexia isn’t visible, individuals with dyslexia may often feel unsupported, and invisible. From the child at school struggling to keep up with their friends, to the office worker feeling like they don’t belong.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.

It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.

Dyslexia often goes hand-in-hand with other invisible challenges, such as mental health struggles. That’s why the theme for this year’s dyslexia week is on Invisible Dyslexia, exploring the theme of visibility within the community. 

The British Dyslexia Association has some great resources and stories on their website about people with dyslexia you can read them here. 

The British Dyslexia Association’s Helpline is also the only national, free helpline service for people with dyslexia of all ages and those who support them. Run by volunteers with the support and guidance of their experts and specialists, it offers a lifeline to adults, young people and children with dyslexia, by providing access to confidential and impartial free information.

To find out more visit the British Dyslexia Association website: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/