Dyslexia: ‘The right diagnosis … The wrong treatment’

Abstract

The polarisation of attitudes towards dyslexia appears to be contingent upon the awareness of the implications of adopting a medical model to interpreting dyslexia (as a medical ‘condition’) or applying an educational overlay, based upon difficulties in certain areas, to interpreting and making provision for those with dyslexia. Specifically, it underscores the difficulties dyslexics have in reading and the comprehension of what has been read. Furthermore, it accentuates the approaches taken in the 1980s and the turn of the century to dyslexia was, for these interviewees, unfitting. However, it raises other questions about whether the current practice is suited to the needs of those with dyslexia, or whether a universal offer is made, regardless of specific need. In the wake of this research, three emergent themes occur, dyslexia and stigmatisation, the impact of stigmatisation and poorly suited provision upon self‐esteem and the stress this generates. As key practitioner points, this disquisition underlines the need to tailor provision for inclusive education based upon the needs of the individual with dyslexia. It further illumines the stress of unsuitable provision, manifesting the imperative nature of adequate training and resourcing for dyslexia.