• Dyslexia is a processing problem with language. This can affect different kinds of language such as reading, writing, maths , music, speech etc.
  • Dyslexics don't usually process information in the same way as other people.
  • Dyslexia is a different way of thinking and a different way of learning.
  • Dyslexia can affect people in various ways because the processing problem can be in different functions of the brain. (See Fig.1)
  • The main area of difficulty is usually memory. Dyslexics may have an excellent memory for some things, but are poor at those areas of memory dealing with language.
  • The dyslexic memory can be brilliant at mechanical and technical construction and design. Dyslexic mechanics have been known to look at an engine and quickly understand how everything is connected and easily see the best solution to a practical problem.



Fig.1






Fig.2
  • In fact the right hemisphere of the dyslexic brain may be bigger than the ordinary brain. (See Fig.2)
  • DR Sherman of Harvard medical school has found three biological differences in the dyslexic brain. Unfortunately, although the brain is bigger it has faulty bits, in the Magonocells and cerebral cortex.
    (See Fig.3)

  • Dyslexia runs in families. When the dyslexic gene was first discovered it was called '1p'.

    After hearing this a dyslexic at the Centre said "You mean to tell me that my brain is bigger than other peoples but it is only worth 1p"!!!



Fig.3

  • Its not all doom and gloom, many famous people are dyslexic.
    Here are a few examples:
    Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, Gary Rhodes, Whoopi Goldberg, Cher, Joanna Lumley, and Tom Cruise just to name a few.
     
  • Dyslexia is often identified as a difference between your verbal ability and the written work you produce.
     
  • Dyslexics are often good conceptual thinkers so often they move into careers like architecture, design, engineering or computers.
     
  • Dyslexics can be very creative thinkers moving into jobs such as cooking, music, drama or media and the arts.
     
  • Many dyslexics have good spatial awareness and so may be at games like chess or connect 4.
     
  • But dyslexics can also be average thinkers. They aren't always brilliant. You don't have to be a genius to be a dyslexic. Most dyslexics are average - like everyone else!
     

Coloured lenses

Some dyslexics find it easier to read text that is on coloured backgrounds rather than white. Black text on a white background can often seem to glare or even flash, making it difficult to focus on the words and causing fatigue. In extreme cases words can seem to float around the page and become distorted.

Some dyslexics find it helpful to read with a coloured sheet of transparent plastic (acetate) over a white page or a coloured background on a computer screen, while others find it makes no difference. You need to try a few out to see which colour suits you. If it makes a big difference then it might be worth being assessed for glasses with coloured lenses by an optometrist who has a colorimeter machine. The lenses are often a different colour to the acetate. If you are having difficulty finding a supplier of acetate near you, we welcome enquiries using the "Contact Us" section of this site.

The theory behind this is that white light is made up of different colours moving at different frequencies. Some of the different frequencies can cause confusion when the brain receives that information. The coloured lenses filter out the problem light frequencies. Many dyslexics are even very mildly colour blind.

More information can be found on the Links section of this site.

Machines that exercise your brain

There are now machines that are designed to train the brain wave frequencies to behave in a different way. This may help overcome some of the problems associated with dyslexia.

Neuro-feedback has been used to train people to improve memory by showing them their own brainwaves on a computer and teaching them how to control them. Other technologies use a visual light display to stimulate the brain’s visual and language pathways. This is claimed to improve the way the brain processes information and lead to improvements in reading, writing and spelling abilities.

 
Spaced-out

Astronauts have experienced temporary dyslexia. A long time spent in the weightlessness of space can mess up the parts of the brain that manage co-ordination (the cerebellum).

This can affect the usually smooth movement of the eyes, making reading and spelling hard work.

NASA made a machine to remind the brain to listen to the balance parts of the body and get the eyes to track more easily. This is being used in Warwickshire (UK) with an exercise programme and vitamin supplement. Reports suggest that this helps some dyslexics - especially those with co-ordination difficulties.
One of our dyslexics said, 'does that mean if I went into space my dyslexia would be reversed?'

Something Fishy

Some dyslexics take an Omega 3 supplement, which contains the essential fatty acids mostly present in fish oils. It creates a fatty membrane sheath covering the brain's nerve cells, which is claimed to help synaptic links.

There are no dyslexic fish!

Move that baby
Another theory is that learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia are linked to a lack of movement when very young.
It has been suggested that some children’s postural control reflexes will not develop correctly as part of the natural development process. It has been claimed that about 70 per cent of dyslexics never went through the crawling stage as babies. It is normal for babies to miss the crawling phase and this does not mean that a child will get dyslexia but some believe the theory that dyslexics, who never fully developed the correct reflexes as babies, can be helped by using special exercise routines, designed to copy movements made by the foetus and young babies.
 


Bristol Dyslexia Centre, 10 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XH.
Tel: 0117 9739405                Fax: 0117 9239703