It is estimated up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a neurological difference, each person’s experience with dyslexia is unique. Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning differences (British association of dyslexia.) Dyslexia can cause problems with processing and receiving information, reading, writing and spelling, however it does not only affect these skills.
Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that can present challenges on a daily basis, but support is available.
Below are some websites that may help you to support your staff:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/
An employee may approach management if they suspect they may have dyslexia. This may be a difficult conversation for the individual and should be approached with sensitivity and respect. To provide the individual an assessment you may use the British Dyslexia Association diagnostic assessment service. Information available on:
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/assessments/diagnostic-assessments
A Diagnostic Assessment is the only way that dyslexia can be formally identified. This assessment will also provide a clearer picture of someone’s cognitive profile and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help to ensure that any support put in place is as effective as possible.
For more information on Workplace adjustments and Work placement assessment please read the toolkit here: Support staff in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities. (British Association of Dyslexia)
Dyscalculia is a recognised learning disability and is often linked to other distinguished conditions including Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is estimated that dyscalculia is likely to occur in 3% – 6% of the population.
Dyscalculia is unique to the individual, but can include one of, or a combination of many symptoms, including:
• Difficulty counting backwards
• A high level of mathematics anxiety
• Weak mental arithmetic skills
• Trouble handling money or finances
• Difficulty understanding graphs or charts
• Poor time management
• Struggles to use Excel
Below are some websites that may help you to support your staff:
https://dyscalculiaservices.com/
https://www.dyslexia.uk.net/specific-learning-difficulties/dyscalculia/
Dyscalculia can be difficult to identify and is usually diagnosed via your doctor or psychologist however many individuals, especially those with milder symptoms, do not have a formal diagnosis. Online tests are available to help with diagnosis, however understanding the difficulties will be better achieved by an individual in a clinical interview.
For more information on Workplace adjustments and Work placement assessment please read the toolkit here: Support staff in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), is a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination.
Dyspraxia does not affect intelligence, however it can affect co-ordination skills – such as tasks requiring balance, playing sports or learning to drive a car. Dyspraxia can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.
Dyspraxia can vary between individuals and may change over time, but it can affect one or more areas listed below:
• your co-ordination, balance and movement
• how you learn new skills, think, and remember information at work and home
• your daily living skills, such as dressing or preparing meals
• your ability to write, type, draw and grasp small objects
• how you function in social situations
• how you deal with your emotions
• time management, planning and personal organisation skills
Below are some websites that may help you to support your staff:
dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/about-dyspraxia/
Dyspraxia affects people differently and many GPs are unfamiliar with dyspraxia, although they are the correct first point of contact for a diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to take in information to the appointment, this could be a completed checklist with examples of how the indicators of dyspraxia apply to you. The doctor will probably discuss with you an appropriate referral, it will be appropriate for some to go to a physiotherapist, for others a speech and language therapist, an optometrist or an occupational therapist. However, the GP will also discuss why an assessment is appropriate.
For more information on Workplace adjustments and Work placement assessment please read the toolkit here: Support staff in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia