# 2 Signs and indicators

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty with a combination of strengths and weaknesses that can impact academic learning. Listed below are some of the possible strengths and challenges:

## Table 1 Strengths and challenges

Strengths | Challenges
--- | ---
Ability to visualise in 3D | Lack of concentration
Vivid imagination/thinker | Distractibility
Motivation | Difficulties with sequencing
Determination | Slow processing
Perceptiveness | Taking notes
Multidimensional thinking | Writing logically
Intuition | Slow reading rate
Problem solver | Time management
Curiosity | Poor listening skills
Creative thinker | Low self-esteem
Original/inventiveness | Organisation
Ability to make connections | Short-term/working memory difficulties
Resourcefulness |

Dyslexia will manifest differently in everyone, but there are some common indicators.

## Table 2 Common indicators

Area | How dyslexia might impact your learning
--- | ---
Organisation/time management difficulties | Difficulties with personal organisation, time management and prioritising tasks Difficulty finishing exams within the time limit Can feel overwhelmed
Procrastination/emotional | Avoiding certain types of work or study Finding it very hard to get started Getting distracted easily
Reading | Slow reading pace and fluency Re-reading texts to understand them Frequently losing place in text
Spelling | Erratic spelling Similar sounds may cause confusion Difficulty ‘hearing’ sounds
Listening | Problems with note-taking Listening and taking notes in lectures simultaneously Finding background noise distracting
Writing | Difficulties in organising and structuring written work Difficulties in sequencing, e.g. alphabet, phone numbers Restricting written vocabulary and ideas due to known organisational and spelling difficulties
Memory difficulties | Retaining and recalling information Difficulties with short-term/working memory, e.g. dates Often forgetting conversations, important dates, messages
Concentration difficulties | Difficulty with listening and maintaining focus Finding it hard to concentrate if there are distractions Feeling mentally overwhelmed
Spatial/temporal | Left/right confusion Finding map reading difficult Getting confused when given several instructions at once
Number/maths difficulties | Difficulties in mental maths work Problems with remembering maths tables Can have difficulties with telling the time and understanding money
Motor control | Difficulty with copying Handwriting difficulties Coordination problems Poor pen or pencil grip
Self-confidence/self-esteem | Low self-esteem and confidence Knowing you can do something, but not understanding why you can’t perform as well as peers sometimes Finding some tasks really easy, but being unexpectedly challenged by others
Potential helpful skills | Good visualising skills Often thinking of creative solutions to problems Good verbal ability Good at presentations and speaking Ability to link information to the big picture, to a global view Seeing connections Seeing inconsistencies Using analogies and metaphors

OpenLearn - Understanding dyslexia
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