Dyslexia - a very real problem

I WOULD strongly dispute claims by Professor Julian Elliott that dyslexia does not exist. To the half million people dyslexia affects in Scotland, it is very real. Dyslexia is not just a problem with reading. It is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in either, or all of, reading, spelling and writing.

It is a complex condition which affects each person differently and is irrespective of intelligence, race or social background. The severity and different difficulties any one dyslexic person may present can vary. It is for this reason that definitions of dyslexia are not always consistent.

Dyslexia is life-long, but the effects can be minimised by targeted literacy intervention, technological support and adaptations to ways of working and learning, for example, multi-sensory learning.

Anyone formally recognised as dyslexic after assessment with an educational psychologist or specially qualified teacher, and found to have difficulties as a result of their dyslexia, must be allowed any special arrangements recommended under the Disability Discrimination Act. It is damaging to the future success of many dyslexic students and undermines the achievements of those who have been successful within academia to suggest that they should not be entitled to support with their exams.

Once again, dyslexia seems to be making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not. Claims that it does not are very upsetting to the 1 in ten people it affects. The question should be: What can be done to help people with dyslexia and those with literacy difficulties?

I would agree that the education system should look to identify and support all children at risk of reading failure. However, the critical difference between a child who has dyslexia and a child simply struggling to read is the way in which their difficulties are addressed. It is important to recognise a dyslexia problem and ensure that intervention methods are appropriate to the needs of a particular individual.

I would like to issue an invitation to Professor Elliott to come to Dyslexia Scotland's National Conference in September to hear experts such as Professor Albert Galaburda, of Harvard Medical School and Chief of the Division of Behavioural Neurology and Memory Disorders at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, USA; Dr Margaret Crombie, a Director of Dyslexia Scotland and Support for Learning Manager at Highland Council and Dr Nadia Northway who is a Dyslexia Specialist/Orthoptist, and the other guests who will speak about their own specific expertise in the field of dyslexia.

Perhaps Professor Elliott will learn more about what dyslexia is and how this perplexing difficulty can be supported.

National Dyslexia Helpline on 0844 800 8484, or go to www.dsse.org.uk or www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk

• Alasdair Andrew is Chair of Dyslexia Scotland South East and Director of Dyslexia Scotland and is also dyslexic