What's it like to have dyslexia?

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WATCH: What it's like having dyslexia, including a special message from musician Freya Ridings

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that lots of people have. It affects about one in 10 people in the UK, including adults as well as children.

If somebody has dyslexia, they might have difficulties with their reading, writing or spelling.

It doesn't affect intelligence and it is not a disease or an illness - it is a condition that someone is born with.

The British Dyslexia Association holds an annual event called Dyslexia Awareness Week to raise awareness of the condition.

In 2023, the week will run from 2-8 October and this year's theme is Uniquely You, in recognition of the fact each person with dyslexia experiences it in ways that are individual to them.

Read on to find out more about dyslexia and also check out our Newsround Special on it here.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Musician Freya Ridings is dyslexic and says that 'dyslexia is a total super power'

How do you know if you have dyslexia?

Some people learn special techniques to help them to live with dyslexia on their own, while others might need special support to help them do this.

Figures suggest even though the condition is fairly common, there are many people living with dyslexia without knowing they have it. This means they are undiagnosed.

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WATCH: 'From my point of view, the letters are dancing around'

How to get tested for dyslexia

School is a good starting point. Your parents or guardians can raise the issue with a teacher in the first place who may then refer you to an educational psychologist or specialist dyslexia teacher for a test.

You may also be seen by the person in charge of running the school's special educational needs programme, to see what extra support might be helpful for you.

Charities such as the British Dyslexia Association can also offer advice for people who want to find out whether they might have dyslexia.

Does dyslexia affect memory?

As with many learning difficulties and conditions, not everybody with dyslexia has the same experience.

Some people might struggle with their reading and writing, while another person with dyslexia might find maths more tricky.

One common experience is finding it difficult to remember things.

This can affect tasks like going to the shop or remembering what to pack for a particular trip.

People with dyslexia often have good skills in other areas, such as creative thinking and problem solving.

NHS website

Does dyslexia affect grammar and reading?

Another way that people with dyslexia might experience the condition is finding that words move about on the page when they try to read.

This can make school work difficult to complete without special help and support.

Radio 1 DJ Mollie King, who has dyslexia, explained: "The prospect of reading out loud in class filled me with dread.

"It got to the stage where I was so panicked that I'd make up an excuse to leave the room when it was my turn. That's when my teacher suggested I get tested for dyslexia."

But medical experts at the NHS say people with dyslexia often have well developed skills in other areas too, such as creative thinking and problem solving.

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BBC Radio 1 DJ Mollie King has spoken out about having dyslexia - she is an ambassador for the British Dyslexic Association and has given a speech in Parliament in front of a group who were looking at learning difficulties

When I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 10, it came as a huge relief. I'd been feeling like I was stupid and somehow worse than my classmates, and I didn't understand why. But with the diagnosis, everything clicked into place. I knew I wasn't worse than everyone else - I was just different.

Mollie King, Radio 1 presenter

How do you manage dyslexia?

There are lots of different ways that children with dyslexia manage their condition. It also depends on their experience of it and how it affects them.

Some children who struggle to remember things might use a voice recorder to set reminders.

Children who have trouble reading might use a coloured overlay on top of their text to help them to read.

"Reading through a coloured sheet really helps - the colour that works for me is yellow," explains Mollie. "If I put it over, it means I can read from left to right and it stops the words popping out on the page."

Others may benefit from special learning techniques or personal tutoring.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Famous businessman Sir Richard Branson is dyslexic

What causes dyslexia and is it inherited?

Dyslexia is caused by differences in the language areas of the brain and the connections between them.

It often runs in families and it can affect people of any age from any country.

Can you develop dyslexia when you get older?

It's thought dyslexia is present from birth but the symptoms might not always be noticeable until later life, especially if people are unaware they have it and develop their own coping strategies early on.

Can you cure dyslexia?

Dyslexia can't be cured and people who are born with dyslexia have it all their lives - but it can usually be managed if a person is given the right support.

People with dyslexia can go on to be as successful as somebody without the condition - like successful businessman Sir Richard Branson.

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Watch My Dyslexic Mind - A Newsround Special

What's it like living with dyslexia?

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Mollie King has some great advice for anybody who is living with dyslexia.

"You're not alone - it's something to be proud of, we shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed and really focus in on those things you are good at," she said.

"For me it knocked my confidence because I couldn't keep up with the pace they read at [in school]. Focus on those things that you're good at - maybe you're sporty or maybe you're very creative."

Dyslexia isn't something that defeats you. The key is being diagnosed as early as possible. It breaks my heart that there could be people out there struggling through life unnecessarily because they've not been diagnosed, and are still feeling stupid the way I did. The better we all understand dyslexia, the more we can help people who have it to reach their full potential.

Mollie King, Radio 1 presenter
Image source, Getty Images/BBC

If you watched CBBC's music talent show 'Got What it Takes?' then you might remember Georgie.

Georgie has dyslexia and finds it hard reading song lyrics.

"It's something that I've found difficult and people don't always understand what it means to have dyslexia" Georgie said.

Georgie says she didn't wanted "to make a big deal" out of having dyslexia and says it's just something she has.

'You're not alone'

But she still finds it hard and and hopes other kids know it's ok to struggle sometimes.

"I've had so many supportive messages, it's been amazing and that's why I wanted to talk about having dyslexia, I want other people to know it's a completely normal thing."

Georgie isn't alone, she even had a special message from musician Freya Ridings who also has dyslexia.

"It was so amazing to get the message from Freya, she has achieved all the things she's achieved.

"That makes you feel as if nothing can stop you from doing the things you want to do."

And, Georgie said Freya is right: "Dyslexia is a superpower!"