Dyslexic Challenges & Solutions

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar:

To be good at spelling, punctuation and grammar you have to learn and retrieve a series of information, skills and rules. Challenges with memory systems make it difficult for dyslexics to learn and apply these rules.

Solution: Focus on the content of what’s being written, not the spelling, punctuation and grammar. Use assistive tech. 

Reading:

Difficulties recognizing and manipulating sounds, letters and words make learning to read difficult. Once grasped, dyslexics will still remain slow readers.

Solution: Structured, multi-sensory phonics programs. Extra time and assistive tech. 

Memory Systems:

Challenges with verbal (remembering verbal instructions), sequential (ordering facts, information), working (keeping facts in mind and manipulating them), and visual (recognizing symbols, letters and words) memory make note learning and getting thoughts down difficult.

Solution: Support materials, organizers/planners, and assistive tech.

Maths:

Challenges with sequential and working memory cause difficulties with times tables and mental maths, although dyslexics are often good at conceptual, higher level maths.

Solution: Look for higher level skills and skill of ‘seeing big picture’ and visualizing. Encourage a love of maths, give support for challenges. Use assistive tech. 

Traditional Benchmarks:

Standardized tests, high priority exams in education ( 11 plus, CXC ), and many psychometric tests used in recruitment put dyslexics at a disadvantage because of all the above.

Solution: Adjustments in tests and assignments, exploration of different testing methods, usage of assistive tech: All will enable dyslexics to demonstrate their real knowledge and skills.