What is dyslexia, what are the signs, how is it tested and are Holly Willoughby and Mel B dyslexic?
DYSLEXIA is a common learning difficulty and means sufferers can struggle with reading or interpreting words, symbols and letters.
But how do you know if you're dyslexic and what are the signs? Here's what you need to know...
How do you know if you're dyslexic and what are the signs?
According to the NHS, signs of dyslexia usually begin to show themselves when a child starts at school.
Dyslexia, also known as a reading disorder is not a learning disability - intelligence is not affected.
The signs and symptoms vary from person to person and each case will have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
A person with dyslexia may:
- read and write very slowly
- confuse the order of letters in words
- put letters the wrong way round – such as writing "b" instead of "d"
- have poor or inconsistent spelling
- understand information when told verbally, but have difficulty with information that's written down
- find it hard to carry out a sequence of directions
- struggle with planning and organisation
How is dyslexia tested in adults and kids?
Identifying dyslexia in young children can be challenging for both parents and teachers.
Parents can approach a national or local dyslexia association for help arranging an assessment of their child.
The assessment itself can involve observing the child at school and examine their reading and writing ability, and speed at which they can process visual and auditory information.
In adults, some have known about their dyslexia for years, others wonder whether they might be dyslexic and some feel unable to cope with their difficulties.
Signs of dyslexia in adults can include:
- Difficulty reading unfamiliar fonts
- Always reading aloud
- Difficulty on tests
- Poor handwriting
- Words may look "wrong" to them
- Has difficulty focusing on one task at a time
- May be a perfectionist and overreact to small mistakes
- Learns best via a "hands-on" approach
The British Dyslexia Association offer both a screening checklist for adults and children.
Is Holly Willoughby dyslexic?
Holly Willoughby has revealed that she has dyslexia and regularly uses coloured scripts to help her present This Morning.
She also revealed she makes advances checks on the autocue so she is up to speed with everyone.
Holly has always been open about having dyslexia but its only in recent years that she has discussed how it affects her on a professional level.
Is Mel B dyslexic?
After spending her whole life believing she was "thick", Mel B revealed on Loose Women yesterday that she was diagnosed with dyslexia last year.
Despite struggling in school, the pop star had no idea she was suffering from the incredibly common condition.
Instead, the 43-year-old thought her "brain was wired different" and said it takes her "five months to read a book" because she sees "words backwards".
When it came to writing her upcoming autobiography, Mel revealed "it was very painful to write" and that she has hired "someone to read it better than [she] can" for the audiobook.
Dyslexia makes everyday tasks more challenging for the star and the panellist revealed that she either needs the help of a friend or calculator while doing her weekly shop.
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Who has dyslexia?
Many famous have dyslexia, and here are a few examples:
- Holly Willoughby
- Mel B
- Mollie King
- Tom Cruise
- Orlando Bloom
- Richard Branson
- Mohammed Ali
- Steven Spielberg
- Jim Carrey
- Walt Disney
- Albert Einstein
- Penny Lancaster