What is dyslexia?

Cambridgeshire is using the current evidence-based definition, endorsed by the Government, in order to provide clarity for parents, professionals and all others with an interest in improving the outcomes of children/young people with dyslexia.

“Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.”

• Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed*
• Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities
• It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points
• Co-occurring difficulties* may be seen in aspects of language, motor coordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia
• A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexia difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention

From Rose, J (2009) ‘Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties 

For further information, including possible strategies, click on the images below:

Please note that referrals for diagnosis are not processed by the school through the NHS Community Paediatric route. Any referrals for formal assessment for dyslexia must be done privately.