Dyslexia

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Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia generally affects the ability to develop fluent and accurate reading and spelling, although its effects can be masked in adults who have developed effective compensatory strategies and who have had access to appropriate support. Often, memory difficulties are the most notable characteristic among university students. 

 

  • You may find it difficult to plan and organise your time and may miss deadlines
  • Creativity and problem-solving skills are often strengths among students with dyslexia. However, despite having lots of ideas, you might find it difficult to write them down or put them in a logical order.
  • Memory difficulties may be a barrier to effective revision. It might also be hard to remember verbal information given to you in lectures or tutorials.
  • Sometimes you might avoid reading or find it hard to locate information when researching.
  • Remembering and correctly spelling new vocabulary may be challenging and you may avoid using words you cannot spell.
  • Filling out forms and producing written work may make you anxious.
  • Understanding and interpreting assignment briefs might be tricky.
  • Multisensory strategies such as mind-mapping and making posters and flashcards can help with planning essays and revising for exams. If you haven’t used these strategies before, our specialist tutors can help you to become familiar with them.
  • Technology-based solutions can be very effective. These may include assistive software to help with reading and composition, free apps such as ‘Brainscape’, ‘Wunderlist’, ‘Simplemind’ and reminders on mobile devices.
  • The University may be able to provide reasonable adjustments, such as considerate marking (avoiding penalising you for spelling mistakes) and extra time in exams.