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Dyslexia is playing a critical role in defending Britain’s online systems from cyber attack. Cyber crime costs the country millions each year and the need to keep sensitive government and industry data secure from other countries, criminals and terrorists is a constant battle. As part of their strategy for keeping sensitive information safe, GCHQ, the British Government’s Intelligence Agency, has revealed a principal secret weapon in winning the cyber war is Dyslexia. Dyslexia, which currently affects around one in ten people in the country, is characterised by difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. However, the flip side of the condition is that dyslexics also possess a range of extraordinary skills, including the ability to decipher patterns easily. GCHQ said that some of their most talented code-breakers have trouble learning to read or interpreting words but this can actually help them crack codes, as they ‘see’ things those without the condition can’t. Chartered Psychologist and founder of the Appleford Dyslexia School, Dr Peter Gardner, said: “Unlike verbal learners, who learn to talk, read and write through hearing and repeating letters and words, individuals with dyslexia are visual learners who think in pictures. “The difference in learning styles is like comparing traditional broadband and super-fast fibre optic broadband – dyslexics are capable of processing information much quicker, almost seeing things simultaneously, which enables them to detect patterns at lightening fast rates.” The upside of Dyslexia Several people in the public eye have opened up about their struggle with dyslexia, including Anthony Hopkins, Richard Branson and most recently, Princess Beatrice. Whilst many admit that dyslexia has made aspects of their lives very difficult – Anthony Hopkin’s declared ‘I was lousy in school’ – it has also spurred them on to much higher achievements. Dr Gardner said: “Working with pupils every day at our dyslexia school we are privileged to see the extraordinary range of skills dyslexic children demonstrate.“As well as having above average IQs, people with dyslexia tend to be ruled by the right side of their brain which is responsible for creativity. This means dyslexic children often have great story-telling skills, vivid imaginations and excellent reasoning capabilities.” Teaching styles in Dyslexia schools To develop dyslexic children’s strengths and build self-esteem, mainstream and dyslexia schools adopt specialist teaching strategies. One of the main approaches is multi-sensory teaching. Because individuals with dyslexia tend to think in pictures not words, verbal learning on its own isn’t effective. Multi-sensory teaching overcomes this barrier by appealing to all of a child’s senses. As such lessons usually incorporate visual aids and fun practical tasks, helping dyslexic pupils to grasp and absorb ideas more effectively. Is your child a future code-breaker? Rated ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Appleford Dyslexia School has more than 20 years’ experience of providing specialist, high quality teaching for children with dyslexia and other special educational needs including dyspraxia, asperger’s and ADHD. To find out more about we do visit http://www.applefordschool.org or call us on 01980 621020.
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