The Development of Dyslexia and other SpLDs: Living Confidently with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)

Development of Dyslexia and Other SpLDs is the fourth book in the series Living Confidently with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). This book is about the persistence of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties (SpLD) into adulthood. It pulls together experiences of many dyslexic/SpLD people.

The book is written with non-linear readers in mind: those who need to move about a book picking up ideas that are currently relevant to them; a style that suits many dyslexic/SpLD readers.

The book gives a framework for understanding the wide-ranging experiences of dyslexic/SpLD adults. With the greater understanding, there should be better help for:

• adults who still have no strategies for dealing with dyslexic/ SpLD problems
• children who have some skills but not at the level of their overall intelligence
• young children who show the first signs of difficulties
• dyslexic/SpLD children in mainstream schools

A new paradigm is proposed whereby all teaching programmes utilise each learner’s learning strengths - catering for dyslexic and SpLD adults and children involves vital teaching and learning approaches that are good practice for all.

Ginny Stacey did not realise she was dyslexic until her mid-20s. The challenge of learning to play classical guitar helped her to understand how her dyslexic mind works. Committed to helping other dyslexics achieve their potential, she developed a range of highly effective techniques for supporting dyslexic students in studying all subjects and coping with life in general. The techniques are widely used in universities and colleges. She has become a nationally-recognised expert in the field.

Sally Fowler stepped into the dyslexic world in her late 40s. It was a revelation to see the impacts of her dyslexia clearly. She became an approved teacher for the British Dyslexia Association with an M.A. in special education. She taught dyslexics, both children in schools and students at university. In Oxford, she met Ginny Stacey: the collaboration of two dyslexic minds has brought a wealth of experience to the Living Confidently with Specific Learning Difficulties series.