3. Who is dyslexic?

Is it genetic?

Does it affect both sexes equally?

Is it connected to class or intelligence?

Site contents.

3. Who is dyslexic?

This is hard to answer because definitions of dyslexia vary and the difficulties associated with the condition range from mild, to moderate, to severe. It is not easy to determine the cut-off points (particularly the one between the mildly dyslexic and the rest of the population) nor come up with any agreed estimate of how many 'count' as having the condition.

Some studies have been carried out which estimate the number of people with dyslexia. But they give varying figures and do not use a standardised test to assess the condition. Reviewers looking at these studies find much to question and certainly there is as yet no reliable figure for the incidence of dyslexia in the UK or in other countries.

One large-scale study in the UK by Professor Tim Miles in 1980 concluded that 2—4% of 10 year olds had serious dyslexia. Many experts agree a further 6% have milder dyslexic difficulties.

A survey in Connecticut, begun in 1983 and still on-going, suggests that 20% of the American population (adults and children) might have a degree of dyslexia on a spectrum from very severe to very mild, with 4% classified as being severely dyslexic.

The frustration many dyslexic people experience when they don't understand their difficulties or get help may lead to truanting and becoming involved in crime.

Studies have looked at prison populations. A Texas study in 1998 which looked at inmates who were English speaking and mentally and physically fit, concluded that just under 30% were dyslexic.

An on-going study, also started in 1998, at Pentonville Prison in the UK, suggests that 33% of the inmates who have problems with literacy are dyslexic. A recent survey in 1999 at Polmont Young Offenders Institute in Scotland put the incidence of dyslexia at 50%.

Is it genetic?

Dyslexia does appear to run in some families. Researchers have discovered families in which reading difficulties have spanned several generations. It is likely that there is a genetic component which makes some family members prone to the condition. Recent research has focused on chromosome 6, but the specific genetic link has not been conclusively identified.

Whether or not there is an obvious family history, it is important to identify whether dyslexia is the reason any individual may be having difficulties.

Oliver's story.

'I'm now 37 and I run my own business making medical models mainly for the fields of orthopaedics and cardiology. It's a business I've built up myself over the last five years, starting in a garden shed and working up and up with new innovations. It's just grown and grown.

'When I was seven I was at a rather posh prep school where it became increasingly obvious that I didn't fit in. I couldn't really read, and they used to send me out of Latin lessons to set the tables for lunch. Unfortunately I couldn't even do that. I set everything the wrong way round.

'My mother eventually realised that something was wrong and I was sent off for all sorts of tests. I think I can remember them using the word "dyslexia" but that didn't mean much. I was eventually sent to the local primary school and the family paid for a tutor at home. I don't think anyone suggested any help at school. I got by with the other boys because I was good at football.

'At secondary school I didn't want to stand out from everyone else so the tutoring stopped and, of course, everything just got worse. I hated school and left at 16 with one O level in geography. My poor parents simply didn't know what to do with me.

'In the end I went off to France for a year to work as an assistant shepherd, though it was more sheep-dog than shepherd really. But it changed my life. I'd found something I could do. I got very fit. There was a gorgeous French girl. I suddenly found some self-esteem.

'I've worked ever since, first for a small firm which grew very big and eventually bored me. And then in my own business. I'm just pleased that at last dyslexia is becoming better understood so children will be helped earlier.'

Does it affect both sexes equally?

According to the British Dyslexia Association about three times as many boys as girls are diagnosed as dyslexic in British schools. Professor Miles' study in 1980 and other studies have reported similar figures.

However the Connecticut survey suggested that dyslexia among girls may be seriously underestimated and that the condition may affect boys and girls equally. Differences in these figures may be attributed to how broadly dyslexia is defined in individual surveys.

Is it connected to class or intelligence?

Dyslexia sometimes used to be dismissed as a 'middle-class disease'. Teachers who did not understand the condition believed that it was being used as an excuse by middle class parents who could not accept that their children were slow learners.

However, it is becoming clear that dyslexia is widespread and occurs across the whole range of the population. The Connecticut survey supports this view and suggests that the condition is found equally among people of all social classes and abilities. It may simply be easier to recognise in a child who in other ways seems to be making good progress than in one who is generally a slow learner or where there may be lower expectations because of social background.

The vast majority of people with dyslexia can lead perfectly normal lives if they are given the help they need. The disability is so common that most of us probably live and work with dyslexic people without realising anything is wrong.

Dyslexia does not affect intelligence and dyslexic people can be successful in any area of life, often excelling in the visual arts, music and the theatre.

Alexander Faludy, at 15 the youngest person to be accepted by Cambridge University in the 20th century, is dyslexic. He has all his books read on to audiotape and dictates his essays. Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Richard Branson and footballer Dennis Bergkamp are just a few of the famous people who are (or were) dyslexic.

Contents of this site.

1. Introduction.

2. What is dyslexia?

3. Who is dyslexic?

4. Scientific findings.

5. Dyslexia and the education system.

6. How to recognise dyslexia in children.

7. Dyslexia in adults.

8. How to help.

9. External tests and examinations.

10. The way forward.

11. Finding out more.

12. Credits.