There are many definitions of dyslexia. A very simple one would be that dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which makes it hard for some people to learn to read, write and spell correctly.

It affects to some degree up to about 10% of the population (severe cases estimated at about 4-7%), is associated with a genetic predisposition and is typically more prevalent in boys than girls.

If diagnosed early enough, regular individual remedial tutoring can enable the child to attain a reading level appropriate to his or her age, although reading may always be a challenge.
A brand new book aimed towards combating the obstacles faced by those living with dyslexia has been published.

‘Dyslexia: An Irish Perspective’ has been compiled by Mary Ball, Anne Hughes and Wyn McCormack from the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, and is published by Blackhall Publishing.

It is a must-have accessory for all those who come into contact with dyslexia on a daily basis and is specifically written for parents, teachers and adults with the condition in an Irish environment.

This is an excellent and highly recommended resource book and it is now available nationwide. It can also be purchased directly from the Dyslexia Association, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, price €17.99 (plus post and packaging costs).

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) was founded in 1972. It aims to promote awareness of Specific Learning Disability (SLD/Dyslexia) and to serve the needs of people with this difficulty. The association lobbies for the provision of appropriate services by the state to all people with dyslexia and provides a free information service to the public.

Services offered include: psycho-educational assessment of children and adults, group and individual specialised tuition, teachers’ courses, summer schools, speakers for schools and parents groups.

‘A Hero Who Could Fly’ was also published this year by author Don Mullan, himself dyslexic. It tells the moving story of an Irish boy and his English sporting hero, Gordon Banks and the remarkable tale of how that young boy with learning disabilities learned to read and write through his idol. Details on purchasing can be found at

www.alittlebookcompany.com/index2.htm or by emailing: albc@eircom.net.
Royalties from the book are donated to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland.