The Dyslexia Association have launched research findings to mark Dyslexia Awareness Month in October.
The study found that teachers and parents agree that unidentified dyslexia damages children’s self-esteem and mental health.
Teachers also lack adequate training in both identifying and supporting children and young people with dyslexia in school.
Teachers would also like to see early screening for all students (81%), school-based assessment of dyslexia (68%) and greater access to supports within the schools from relevant agencies, e.g. NEPS, NCSE, SESS (81%).
Some of the headline findings were:
• 93% of teachers report that they need training on dyslexia.
• 88% of parents want mandatory training on dyslexia in all teacher training courses.
• Only 22% of students feel confident that their teachers understand their dyslexia and know how to support them.
• 71% of adults with dyslexia worry about disclosing their difficulty to their employer.
The survey also noted some of the strengths that people with dyslexia possess. Some 94% feel that people with dyslexia have hidden potential. 60% feel that having dyslexia has helped them to develop their skills in other areas.
However, 57% said that if they had the choice they would prefer not to have dyslexia – indicative of the persistent challenges many face in school where their dyslexia is not being addressed adequately.
Donald Ewing, Head of Psychological and Educational Services of DAI, added: “Without a significant commitment to improving teacher training on dyslexia, there is a real risk that the needs of those with dyslexia will continue to go unnoticed and unmet.
