TES Magazine’s feature on dyslexia raises important points, but messages about how we best help those with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, are somewhat lost within an old debate and inaccurate headlines (“Dyslexia: a middle-class myth?”, April 10).
The debate has moved on from whether dyslexia is a useful concept and, as Dr Rack and Professor Elliot concur, we should focus on how best to support all those struggling with a range of difficulties. It is, however, wrong and damaging to children who are dyslexic and in need of more specialist support to suggest that this is used as an excuse for slow progress.
It is also wrong to assume that every child who is identified with dyslexia gets extra classroom support.
Dyslexia Action’s Partnership for Literacy programme is designed to support those struggling with literacy, whatever the reason, and is not targeted at children with dyslexia.
We should give adults clear information and guidance, rather than engage in an unhelpful debate about the term dyslexia.
Shirley Cramer, Chief executive officer, Dyslexia Action.