What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodivergence that primarily affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It mainly affects skills used in reading and spelling, such as recognising letters and sounds, but can also affect memory, organisation and processing speed.
Dyslexia affects everyone differently. It’s a lifelong condition, though its impact can lessen significantly with the right support, especially when identified early.
Dyslexia often occurs alongside other conditions, including:
- ADHD: which affects attention and impulse control.
- Dyscalculia: a specific difficulty with maths and numbers.
- Dyspraxia: which affects physical coordination.
What causes dyslexia?
Dyslexia tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link, and is thought to be caused by differences in the parts of the brain that process language. It is not caused by poor teaching, lack of effort, or low intelligence, and it affects people across the full range of intellectual ability.
Common experiences of dyslexia
In children:
- Slow or inaccurate reading, despite adequate intelligence and teaching.
- Difficulty spelling and confusing letter order.
- Reversing letters or numbers (e.g. “b” and “d”).
- Trouble remembering sequences, such as days of the week or times tables.
In adults:
- Difficulty reading quickly or reading aloud.
- Struggling to take notes or organise written work.
- Relying heavily on memory rather than notes.
- Avoiding tasks involving a lot of reading or writing.
General:
- Difficulty with time management and organisation.
- Strong verbal skills that don’t match written performance.
- Tiredness or frustration after reading-heavy tasks.
What can help dyslexia?
If you or someone you know has dyslexia, there are lots of things that can help. You can speak to a school’s SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), a GP, or a specific support helpline (we’ve gathered some here where you can get advice and support).
An assessment from an educational psychologist or specialist assessor can confirm a diagnosis and identify specific strengths and challenges, which helps shape the right support.
Support strategies can include structured literacy programmes that break reading and spelling into clear steps, extra time in exams, and assistive technology such as text-to-speech software, speech-to-text tools, and coloured overlays or fonts that some people find easier to read.
Playing to strengths also helps. Many dyslexic people have strong skills in areas like problem-solving, creativity, and verbal communication, and building on these alongside support for reading and writing can make a real difference to confidence.
Learn more about dyslexia
There are lots of resources online to help you learn more about dyslexia, find techniques to help with reading and writing, and access further support.
- NHS advice on dyslexia
- British Dyslexia Association’s information and resources
- British Dyslexia Association’s helpline and support services
Last reviewed: September 2026
Our neurodiversity guides have been reviewed by Jamie Douglas, Associate Director of Response Youth. Jamie has a PGCE in Secondary Education and a Masters in English and Language in Education, with 12 years’ epxerience as a secondary school teacher. He is currently studying for a Masters in Inclusion, with a focus on autistic children. Jamie is autistic himself and is open about his own experience of neurodivergence, bringing valuable lived experience alongside his professional expertise.