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Understanding Dyslexia: A Short Guide for Children and Young PeopleBy Zoë BrownDyslexia Specialist at Mancroft Learning

You might have heard the word "dyslexia" before andwondered what it means. Well, dyslexia is just a different way that some people’sbrains work when it comes to reading, writing, and spelling. If you have dyslexia, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t meanyou’re not smart! In fact, lots of very smart and famous people have dyslexia.Hi there! Let's Talk About Dyslexia

Everyone's brain works in its own special way, andthat’s what makes us all unique. If you have dyslexia, your brain is wired to thinkcreatively and solve problems differently. This can be really cool because it means you might begreat at things like science, art, sports, buildingthings, or even coming up with awesome new ideas.Your Brain is Unique!

Dyslexia means that reading, writing, and spellingmight be harder for you. This happens because your brain processes languagein a different way. It doesn’t mean you can’t learn these things; youmight just need to learn them in a different way thatsuits you better.What is Dyslexia?

Let's take a moment to recognise how much you'velearned already, even though it’s been challenging. You’ve worked really hard at school, and that’s amazing!Keep in mind that all your effort and determination arereally paying off. Your parents and teachers see how hard you’re working,and they are very proud of you.You’ve Achieved So Much!

Did you know that lots of famous people have dyslexia?People like Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Jamie Oliver, KeiraKnightley, Will Smith, Harry Styles, Richard Brandson, Jackie Stewart, Michael Phelps,Chris Robshaw and many, many more...You’re in Good Company!They’ve all done amazing things, and so can you!

There are lots of tools and tricks to help you with reading and writing. Here aresome you might find helpful:- Audiobooks: You can listen to stories instead of reading them. It’s like havingsomeone read a book to you!- Reading Apps: There are cool apps that can read text out loud or help youpractice reading.- Graphic Novels and Magazines: Books with lots of pictures and less text can beeasier and more fun to read. Try reading graphic novels or magazines like *TheWeek Junior*.Cool Tools and Tips

- Daily Reading: Try to read a little bit every day with aparent or teacher. It doesn’t always have to be a book.You can read comics, recipes, or anything you enjoy. Themore you practice, the easier it gets.- Breaking it Down: Breaking words into smaller parts orusing rhymes can help you remember how to read andspell them.More Cool Tools and Tips

People with dyslexia often have amazing strengths,such as:- Creativity: You might be really good at drawing,music, or thinking up new ideas.- Big Picture Thinking: You can see the overall pictureand think about things in new ways.- Problem-Solving: You can find creative solutions totricky problems.Super Strengths

InventingEmpathisingStorytellingInfluencingSeeing the Big PictureCreatingAnalysingProblem SolvingSimplifyingComplex IdeasDyslexia Superstrengths

Empathising: Understanding how others are feeling.Inventing:- Thinking of new ways of doing things.What Dyslexia Superstrengths are:Influencing: Helping others to see things from your point ofview.Seeing the big picture: Being able to understand somethingfully without being blinded by the details.Storytelling: Making stories come alive.

Simplifying complex ideas: Helping to make complicatedconcepts easier to understand.Creating: Having ideas that no one has thought before andputting them into practice.Analysing: Looking at the facts and seeing connexions andpatterns that others often can’t.Problem solving: Using your unique perspective to findsolutions to challenges.

Being dyslexic means that your brain is wired in a slightly different way tonon-dyslexic people which enables you to develop superstrengths. These ‘superstrengths’ will set you up well in life but there will be somechallenges too. Your brain needs things to make sense to learn but unfortunately the Englishlanguage is silly and often doesn’t make sense despite some teachers’ bestefforts to convince you otherwise. Knowing this and taking your time with learning it all will help you a greatdeal. You are able to learn all the things your friends learn, you will just learn themslightly differently.What this means to you:

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about your dyslexia, it’s okayto talk to someone you trust, like your parents orteachers. They can help you understand it better and find ways tomake learning easier for you. Remember, everyone has things they find tricky andthings they are good at!How to Talk About Dyslexia

Your parents and teachers are now going to worktogether to make learning at school and at home lesschallenging and more enjoyable. Whenever you get stuck or don’t understand something,you can always ask for help. They are here to support you and make sure you havefun while learning.Teaming Up for Success

Think of dyslexia as having superpowers. You haveunique ways of thinking and learning that can besuper helpful in lots of situations. Celebrate what you’re good at and don’t be afraid toask for help when you need it.Your Superpowers

Having dyslexia means you see the world in a special way.Stay positive and keep trying new things. Stay Positive!You have amazing potential and canachieve great things!

Always remember, dyslexia is just one part of who youare. You are awesome, just the way you are, and youhave so much to offer the world. You Are AwesomeKeep being curious, keep learning,and most importantly, keep being you!

We at Mancroft Learning, wish you the very best!Remember, dyslexia is a positive learning difference!

Zoë Brown is a qualified and experienced dyslexia specialistassessor and ADHD screener, who enables children andyoung people to gain access to the educational support theyneed to excel academically with confidence and self-awareness. About the authorHaving recently being been nominated for a Norfolk FlourishAward and winning ‘Highly Commended’, Zoë is committedto doing all she can to improve dyslexia awareness across thecounty. She holds a Masters Degree in Child Development and Learning, aPostgraduate Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, an AssessmentPracticing Certificate (APC) and Approved Practitioner Status fromthe BDA. Additionally, she is qualified to screen for ADHD.

What We OfferFull dyslexia diagnostic assessments For children, young people, and adults (aged 8 +)Highly reliable, NHS Approved ADHD Screenings For children, young people, and adults (aged 6-60)Literacy Learning assessments (non-diagnostic) For children who are too young for a formal dyslexia diagnostic assessment (in Years 1-3)"We are so pleased we decided to have the assessment. We now feelthat we have a much clearer understanding of our son's learningneeds and what we can do to support his progress." Sarah, Norwich

Zoë Brown MSc, ADG, APC, APS BDADyslexia SpecialistE-mail: zoeb@mancroftlearning.co.ukTel: 01986 805060 or 07738 867005Address: Globe House, Denton, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 0BDwww.mancroftlearning.co.uk Contact Us send