A new animated film has been launched to combat negative stereotypes about dyslexia, following research that found many children feel “hopeless” due to the way the learning difference is commonly described.
The charity Made By Dyslexia, which created the animation, surveyed 5,000 dyslexic adults and young people, along with their parents and teachers, including 2,000 participants from the UK. Three-quarters of respondents said online information about dyslexia focuses excessively on difficulties with spelling, reading and writing, while overlooking strengths such as problem-solving, creativity and storytelling.
Nine out of ten participants said current descriptions negatively affect a child’s confidence in their future, and more than half (55 per cent) said terms like “lifelong learning disorder” and “word-blindness” can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
Kate Griggs, executive producer of the film and founder of Made By Dyslexia, shared seven key insights. She explained that dyslexia is a different way of processing information, with a “spiky profile” of strengths and weaknesses. Strengths include complex problem solving, creativity, innovation, people skills and emotional intelligence. Griggs noted that 80 per cent of dyslexic people leave school without identification, and that dyslexia is genetic and often runs in families.
The animation, titled “What is dyslexia?”, follows a young girl named Lola who encounters discouraging information online. It will premiere in London on Saturday.
