Dyslexia Awareness Week (7th – 13th October 2024)

Dyslexia Awareness Week takes place between 7th – 13th October 2024. 

What is dyslexia? 

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that changes the way the brain processes written language. Dyslexic people can have difficulties recognising, spelling and decoding words. It is not linked to intelligence, but a genetic neurological condition. Around 10% of people in the Australia are believed to have some degree of dyslexia.  

Dyslexia isn’t just about delayed reading development, it can also cause: 

• Frequent mispronunciation of words. 

• Crawling and walking later than peers. 

• Difficulty with hand-eye coordination. 

• Short concentration span. 

• A delay in the ability to sequence and order things. 

• Difficulty remembering lefts and rights. 

• A higher risk of autoimmune conditions like hay fever and allergies. 

What is the theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024? 

Every year, there’s a different theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is What’s Your Story?  Everyone is different and everyone’s experience of dyslexia is different too. This theme encourages people to tell their story and maybe even change their story for the better. The theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 is a wonderful opportunity for people with dyslexia to come together and celebrate their individuality. 

Why do we observe Dyslexia Awareness Week? 

Dyslexia can often be overlooked in children and adults, meaning they don’t get the support they need. By spreading awareness, teachers, parents, and carers will know available to spot it and help them get a diagnosis. With a diagnosis, there is more opportunity for people with dyslexia to get the help and support they need. 

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding dyslexia, though this is thankfully improving due to events like Dyslexia Awareness Week. As dyslexia can impact how people process information, particularly when reading, people often assume that dyslexia affects their intelligence, though this is not the case. For this reason, children with dyslexia can develop low self-esteem, and Dyslexia Awareness Week grants us the chance to uplift them and help them boost their confidence. By celebrating it in your school, not only are you making children feel valued and welcome, but you can stamp out any misconceptions surrounding dyslexia.