Dyslexia, A Very Short Introduction

The term dyslexia refers to difficulties in learning to read and spell. it affects both children and adults, and it is not caused by poor education. First described at the end of the 19th century, it has gained recognition as a relatively common learning disorder, and today, when communication across the world still often relies on reading and writing, understanding of dyslexia is increasingly relevant.

This Very Short Introduction:

• Introduces the exciting research surrounding dyslexia today, including analysis of the potential causes of dyslexia
• Discusses the neuroscience of dyslexia, and what we have learned about how it works through techniques such as brain scanning
• Weighs up the various strategies and interventions which can help people with dyslexia today, sifting the fact from the fiction
• Provides a brief history of dyslexia since its recognition in 1896
• Draws on cross-linguistic studies to look at dyslexia in various different languages

Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over nine million copies sold world-wide

"This engaging book gives a fascinating account of the processes involved in learning to read and explains why it is an effortless achievement for most, but an epic struggle for some. The exceptional scholarship makes this book a precious resource for everything that research has revealed about dyslexia. It reveals how children learn to read and write, the cognitive requirements for this achievement, the brain processes involved, and evaluates the teaching approaches that work best. A must-read."
- Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor or Cognitive Development, University College London

"This is by far the best book written on dyslexia - conceptually incisive, balanced and thoughtful in approach, academically sound and extremely practical in the discussion of the implications for provision of services and for help for individuals. A masterpiece and a very interesting read as well."
- Michael Rutter, Professor of Developmental Psycopathology, Kings College London