Recognising dyslexia early can make a significant difference in someone’s educational journey and beyond. Each person has a unique way of learning; understanding this can unlock potential and lead to great success.
Keisha Adair Swaby, speaker and radio presenter, shares her experience in the above video, highlighting the struggles that stemmed from a late diagnosis of dyslexia. Despite displaying symptoms from a very early age such as difficulties with spelling, memory issues, trouble with prioritisation and even physical coordination, her diagnosis only came at 41. An earlier understanding of her learning difference, which is often hereditary, could have provided support and strategies to handle these challenges. Keisha’s message drives home the importance of early dyslexia diagnosis and the transformative power of targeted support.
Wondering why early diagnosis matters? Here are some key points:
Timely Intervention: Early diagnosis allows for prompt support, enabling the individual to achieve their full academic potential.
Personalised Learning: Dyslexic learners have their distinctive learning style that can be catered to once it’s understood.
Confidence and Well-being: Struggles in education can lead to low self-esteem. Early intervention can boost confidence and overall happiness.
Long-Term Success: Many successful figures, such as Richard Branson (Virgin Group), Steve Jobs (Apple), and Ingvar Kamprad (IKEA), were early-diagnosed dyslexics. By identifying their learning differences early, they used their unique approach to thinking, thereby turning their dyslexia into a strength that contributed significantly to their extraordinary accomplishments.
What are some* of the signs of dyslexia?
*these are just some of the early signs of dyslexia but are not all so please seek professional advice
1. Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers or nursery rhymes.
2. Difficulty recognising and writing letters.
3. Struggles with spelling and forming words correctly.
4. Problems remembering sequences, like days of the week or a list of items.
5. Difficulty understanding and following instructions.
6. Delay in speech and language development compared to peers.
7. Issues with left and right coordination.
8. Reading at a level well below the expected level for the age.
9. Difficulty in recognising rhyming patterns in words.
10. Difficulty with phonics or sounding out words.
11. Trouble with word problems in maths.
12. Difficulty organising thoughts and expressing them verbally or in writing.
13. Struggles with time management and keeping organised, often losing or forgetting belongings.
To spot early signs of dyslexia in a child, the British Dyslexia Association provides some helpful insight here. The website also offers guidance on where to get a dyslexia assessment.
Where can you get a dyslexic diagnosis and what is the process?
Diagnostic Assessments for dyslexia are crucial. They pinpoint the individual’s unique needs and the best ways to support their learning. More about these assessments can be found here.
Early dyslexia diagnosis can turn learning challenges into opportunities for growth. In line with this, Ayoa’s software supports individual learning styles, championing every kind of learner.
Let’s continue to recognise, value, and celebrate diverse ways of thinking. With Ayoa, we not only accommodate differences, but we also embrace them. Find out more here about how Ayoa supports dyslexic learners.
Sign up to our DSA Newsletter here for more updates on how Ayoa can support dyslexic users both in education and the workplace. Also, we will be attending the Dyslexia Show on 15th & 16th March, where our CEO Chris Griffiths will be doing a keynote speech at 11:15am on Friday 15th and our friendly team of experts will be showcasing everything Ayoa has to offer! Don’t miss it!