Dyslexia is a specific learning disability. A person with dyslexia may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling or with arithmetic. Dyslexia can also make learning languages more difficult and it can cause problems in becoming an organised and effective student.

It affects approximately 8 per cent of the population and varies in severity from quite mild to very deep dyslexia. It runs in families and is more common in men and boys.

Dyslexia is a genetic condition and is believed to be caused by differences in the way the brain works. It has nothing to do with physical problems, a lack of intelligence, an emotional disturbance, poor teaching or home or family problems.

Dyslexia is not a disease or a defect, merely a difference in learning style. It cannot be cured, but with early identification and appropriate teaching people with dyslexia can achieve their potential, which in many cases is considerable.

A problem learning to read and or spell should alert parents and teachers that a specific learning disability such as dyslexia may be present. This applies particularly when a child's progress seems at odds with his or her general level of ability.

A child with dyslexia may have experienced early speech and language problems, confuse directions like left and right, have difficulty remembering common sequences such as the days of the week, have poor pencil control and awkward handwriting, mix up the sound of words and order of numbers, be unable to pair speech sounds with letters and vice versa.

Second-level pupils may have problems in getting their thoughts on paper and consequently may not do as well in written exams. They may find it hard to learn second or third languages. Spelling problems may persist and even reading aloud may still be difficult or embarrassing.