Neurological differences often occuring with dyslexia:

What is dyspraxia?

This term is often used to describe difficulties in co-ordinating movement and judging distance, space and awareness of time. Difficulties can include:

• presenting written information neatly;
• using equipment;
• sense of direction;
• analysing business information in certain formats.

What is Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD / ADHD)?

People with ADD typically have poor concentration, are easily distracted and are impulsive. if there is also physical or cognitive restlessness then it is referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Difficulties can include:

• difficulty working in a noisy/busy environment such as an open-plan office;
• may interupt conversations;
• may lack focus on work.

What is Meares-Irlen Syndrome / Visual Stress / Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome?

The main characteristic of this syndrome is difficulty in sustaining focus on print.

• This is most common with black print on a white background.
• Symptoms can be cumulative - get worse the longer the person is reading, though they may be experienced straight away;
• Typically print will be seen to move, blur or wave;
• Difficult for the reader to keep their place in the text;
• Tendency to miss-read, miss out words;
• Words from line above or below can be added in to what is being read;
• Stressful under bright lights;
• Headaches;
• Migraines;
• Upper body tension - around the neck and shoulders;
• Watery/sandy/itchy eyes;
• Drowsiness when reading;
• On-coming driver lights cause difficulty;
• Similar eye conditions should be ruled out by an ophthalmologist

   Halfpenny Development offers screening services and support strategies for these conditions. Please go to our  dyslexia assessment page.