Dyslexia occurs when a person finds it difficult to read print and interpret audible language. It is a slight inability of the brain to translate the visual images received from the eyes into a comprehendible language.
Dyslexia can occur from more obscure causes like trauma to the head or hormonal abnormalities during early foetal development but the majority of cases (“primary”) come from a slight dysfunction to the left side of the brain (cerebral cortex) which doesn’t change with maturity. Generally found in boys, it tends to show up more around the pre GCSE period with marked inability in reading, spelling and writing.
‘Visual Dyslexia’ may occur with or without ‘general bodily’ dyslexia, but in both cases the visual element can be tested quite easily by your local optician, by using coloured overlay sheets (intuitive overlays) The sheets rest on top of the black and white print and the best colour is found to aid reading for that particular individual. This is called colourimetry.
The preferred colour is then used along with a Wilkins ‘rate of reading’ test to ascertain whether or not the preferred colour actually aids reading speed. The whole process takes approximately 40 minutes and your optician will be happy to explain any further referral, special prescribed spectacles etc.
Despite all the publicity around dyslexia (which was relatively unknown around 20years ago), most dyslexic people have adapted their lives accordingly and went on indeed to become very successful individuals.Noel McCrystal
BSc.(Hons)MCOptom
Scotch Street Centre
Dungannon
