Dyslexia FAQs and the Nursing Profession

“Nurses with dyslexia […] can use a multidimensional approach to patient care and can visualize a patient as an integrated whole. They can connect with a patient in way that integrates the art and science of nursing. (Dyslexic nurses) use ‘novel and creative problem solving measures that show an exceptional understanding of patients’ individual needs and the wider nursing issues involved in nursing care.” – Jacqueline Wiles, Nursing Standard

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects nearly one out of five people in the country. A person with dyslexia processes information in a different way than a person without it. As children, dyslexics often have trouble learning letter sounds, reading longer words, spelling, and sometimes reverse the order of letters in a word while reading. Fortunately, there are many ways that a person with dyslexia can be helped in the learning process. For example, phonics can be used when teaching a dyslexic student to read and pronounce words. Reading aloud is another way to help a dyslexic student to focus on and absorb the material. With the proper teaching along with individual help, a dyslexic student is capable of success in school.

Dyslexia Nurses in the Workplace

dyslexicadvantage.org Offers information and strategies how nurses an healthcare professional with dyslexia can be extremely successful in their careers.

What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it difficult for a person to recognize words and sounds. A person with dyslexia can learn to read and write successfully with the help of techniques such as phonics.

What causes dyslexia? There are differing answers to the question of what causes dyslexia. One answer is that it is an inherited condition. Another theory is that dyslexia may be a result of a child’s hearing difficulties at an early age. The child doesn’t learn proper letter sounds because of problems with hearing. Other people believe that dyslexia is the result of a combination of genetics and other factors.

How common is dyslexia? Dyslexia is thought to be the most common learning disability in children that there is. Dyslexia has nothing to do with a child’s level of intelligence.

What are the sign/symptoms of dyslexia? There are several signs to watch for in regard to dyslexia. In a school age child, he or she may have difficulty remembering a sequence of items or have trouble pronouncing words. Problems with spelling and reading are also possible signs of dyslexia. Of course, a child needs to be tested to see whether it is indeed dyslexia.

How do you test for dyslexia? A child who is suspected of having dyslexia may be given a number of different tests. For instance, the child’s hearing and vision may be tested to see if that is somehow related to his or her learning difficulties. In addition, a child’s reading skills can be tested to determine if dyslexia is the cause.

How does dyslexia affect learning? Dyslexia makes it difficult for a person to recognize words and pronounce them. A person with dyslexia sometimes needs more time than the average student to process information. In short, an individual with dyslexia learns by different methods than the average student. 

The 10 false myths about dyslexia No. Nevertheless, a person with dyslexia can learn to read successfully with individualized help and specific teaching techniques.

Can dyslexia be inherited? Yes, that is possible. Some people with dyslexia have family members who also have the condition. A person with dyslexia may learn that he or she has a parent, sibling, or grandparent with dyslexia.

How can a parent help their dyslexic child? A parent of a dyslexic child must be patient and learn as much as possible about the special methods of teaching. Encouraging a dyslexic child is an important part of the learning process. Parents must stress the fact that the child simply learns in a different way. In addition, there are many famous, successful people who have dealt with dyslexia in their own lives. Parents may want to take the time to bring up some of these people to their child and point out how they achieved success despite the challenges. This may cause a child to look at dyslexia in a different, more positive way.

What are some activities that help with dyslexia? Reading aloud with an instructor is one activity that is helpful for a person with dyslexia. Games that involve phonics are also useful in teaching a person with dyslexia.

For more information on dyslexia, please visit:

  • Teaching Students with Dyslexia: (PDF) Learn about dyslexia and identifying it. Also, study some ways that teachers can work with dyslexic students.
  • Dyslexia Facts: Read some pertinent questions and answers on the subject of dyslexia. In addition, learn about some famous people with dyslexia.
  • Profile of Dyslexia: (PDF) Discover a collection of facts on dyslexia. This includes information on causes, diagnosis, and more.
  • Characteristics and Signs of Dyslexia: Peruse a detailed list of facts about dyslexia. This collection of information includes possible signs of dyslexia categorized by a child’s age.
  • The Dyslexic Mind: What Motivates It?: (PDF) Read about dyslexia, the warning signs, and evaluation. This information includes a reading list.
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