Anyone else dyslexic?

I've been wondering if what I'd always considered bad dyslexic days have actually got more to do with my blood, as both cause visual disturbance, confusion, memory problems and more - how can I tell the difference.

This is not a case of misdiagnosis, I'm profoundly dyslexic as are several family members on my dads side, while Hughes has been confirmed and comes from my mums side. Anyone else out there?

[laserlight]

Hi Alison

As you'll know, Hughes Syndrome shares quite a few symptoms with other conditions such as the dyslexia you mention. While reading the posts on this site, I have my radar switched on for people with reading difficulties, as it crops up quite a lot. I'm coming to a few conclusions as to how people may be helped.

Would you help me to possibly help others? Which of the following symptoms do you suffer with, if any? Please use the numbers if it helps.

1. Misreading words.

2. Skipping words and lines.

3. Slow reading rate.

4. Confusing letters and words that look similar.

5. Putting words in the wrong order.

6. Needing to reread for information.

7. Poor comprehension.

8. Losing place.

9. Needing to take frequent breaks from the page.

10. Avoiding reading.

11. Needing to read in dim light.

12. Problems copying from a board especially the interactive whiteboard.

13. General reluctance to read.

Thanks Alison. I hope you get the best of all treatment. John.

[Hidden]

While I'm not totally sure which problem is related to which cause, i am completely sure exactly what problems I have, so if you have any further questions, not only describing my problems but also how I get around them - please ask

I have two types of reading. One is for pleasure, here i appear to others to gain understanding 'osmoticaly' as I like to call it. Rather than reading each word, I scan up down left and right through a whole paragraph using context cues and word shapes until the meaning becomes clear. Occasionally I make mistakes, but the overall understanding is high. I didn't realise until my late teens that this is not quite normal- it is impossible to read out loud this way, so teachers may assume illiteracy, but I love reading and appear to be much faster than other people.

The other type, is for work or study - I taught myself for university when exact words became more important. After a quick 'guist' scan, I use a pencil to guide me through syllables (out loud if I'm alone) underlining key words as I go and summarizing each paragraph. Re summarizing each page until finished. I know that I won't actually remember anything, so the notes are essential. I can do this now about as fast as others read, and its quite easy to check mistakes. If I did not do this, I couldn't keep my place in a word, let alone a line! Comprehension is also fine. Light and fonts are huge issues, I often use tinted sunglass if I can without looking daft (I completely hide this problem from everyone!) I also try to photocopy on to low quality paper as bright white is very hard.

With regards to copying, the only way I can copy any think from any source is letter by letter without understanding- extremely slowly and still with mistakes. I can however reach an understandable level of accuracy looking at the source and using a graphity type app if I don't look. I belive my short term memory can't cope with eye movement, and while I struggle to take down spoken notes - this has a lot to do with nerves clouding my mind. Also, typing is much less painfully (headaches) as I don't have to track movement.

sorry this answer is so long, but no one has ever asked me before, and I believe myself to be an expert on pinpointing exact study techniques used by 'normal' and learning problem kids. I'm an English teacher, and can honestly say that despite no one being able to understand my problems to teach me, I have yet to find a kid I can't teach.

[KarenOR]

Hi Alison are you poorly organised, Poor time keeping and forever late for things? struggling reading, and writing and words running around the page? Find some colours better to look at than other? find that you can think outside the box? And does left handedness run in the family? If yes to any of this strong possiblity yes. I and a qualified mentor in Dyslexia. It's not just about reading and writing being Dyslexic. Xx

[Hidden]

I 100% know that I am dyslexic, I'm actually the most organised person I know, I'm never late, and I love reading and writing! I use to work in a dyslexic institute- and dyslexics like me are really common - we just don't as adults talk about it. I'm practically a control freak - I plan for so many eventualities , its rare for me to be unprepared. Being organised keeps me calm. I can't tell the time well, but my day is so well planned it doesn't matter. I don't need any advice on coping with dyslexia, as I said - I'm an English teacher, I help others.

What I wanted to know how others differentiate those bad dyslexic days when your at your worst, with what I see others with Hughes describing here as flairs as both have a foggy brain and confusion feel.

I suspect with me, there is a huge overlap, but when I make dyslexic mistakes they usually amuse me, and make me feel different but not in a bad way. The same problem if caused by bad blood makes me want to curl up and cry.

[panda60]

I trained to teach dyslexia in the 1990s because my son is dyslexic. We were told that there are two types - inherited and acquired. Son the former me the latter from my stroke. Everyone who is dyslexic has different problems and hopefully can learn strategies. Just wish more schools would pick up on it.

[Hidden in reply to panda60]

As a teacher, my head (who kind of knows, but by common consent never acknowledges my dyslexia) has me check out any kid who flags up the slightest problem. I hold the belief that each child is special, and each child had needs so it follows that all children have special needs. At some point in their education, most kids benefit from someone checking what they are. The majority of dyslexic kids can't learn if no one finds out what their specific needs are. With this attitude labeling and pressure are bypassed. Diagnosis is only needed as it leads to treatment, but if we treat all as unique its less of a problem. Most problems I encounter are greatly reduced by asking teachers to give one instruction at a time and hand out their lesson plans so students don't struggle copying stuff. This benefits so many that a teacher might as well to it for the whole class.

I also take regular discussion groups with all kids to have honest evaluation of how to study / revise / organise. The emphasis is on self awareness - what works for the individual.

I don't think the problem is simply one of schools not picking up on dyslexia, the education system simply does not encourage teachers to treat pupils as individuals. Class sizes are too big, and often by the time a teacher has finished everything they have to do, there is little time left for personal attention.

Good luck to both you and your son, an aunty of mine who became dyslexic after a stoke found me very helpful with little tips, its often the small ones that make a difference (eg I couldn't put on a shirt by myself until at 25 years old another dyslexic whispered 'dont button up, button down) you taught your son and I'm sure he would love to repay the gift.