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Dyslexia and Irlen syndrome

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language processing problem, a specific difficulty in learning one or more of spelling, writing or reading.

Many dyslexics experience visual stress and have difficulty in distinguishing between printed letters in books and in tracking words across the page when reading.

It should be diagnosed by a professional. Always speak with your child’s school first if you have any concerns.

What is Irlen syndrome?

Some dyslexics also have Irlen syndrome. That means they also have a problem with visual perception.

Glare from white paper is particularly stressful for people with Irlen syndrome so they too may find that cream paper is more comfortable to read from.

It can be diagnosed by qualified screeners and Irlen diagnosticians.

How our libraries can help children with dyslexia and Irlen syndrome

We stock physical books from the dyslexia-specialist publisher, Barrington Stoke. These books are dyslexia-friendly by having the following features:

Text printed on cream paper with a matt surface to mitigate the effect of glare from white paper.
Thick paper, since dyslexics experience reading problems when print from overleaf show through on the reading page.
Specially-created type face designed to minimise visual stress by using slightly longer ascenders and descenders on letters.
A wider gap between each line of text, clear punctuation and a more defined gap between paragraphs.

Our eBook services allow you to change both page colour and font size to create a bespoke visual experience for your child. Learn more about our e-services.

We also stock physical and online audio books free of charge. Your child may enjoy just listening to the story, or want to read the print version at the same time.

We also stock books for adults about dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

How you can help children with dyslexia and Irlen syndrome

Dyslexic children often have problems with spelling and handwriting. Parent Champions offers very practical tips for adults helping children.

If your child has Irlen syndrome, placing a simple coloured overlay across the page of a book could make it easier for your child to read. Experiment at home using a pack of multi-coloured transparent sheets (bought from any stationers). It could considerably extend the range of books your child can choose from at very small cost.

Tips on choosing books

If a child is unable to read 5 or more words on a page, then the book is too difficult.
Choose a book about a topic they are interested in.
Factual books may be easier for children with reading difficulties. Look for well-illustrated books with short captions.
Avoid books with cluttered pages.
Cookery books, craft books and joke books convey a lot of meaning in simple sentences.
There is a list of dyslexia-friendly books for children of all ages at Lovereading4kids.

Resources

NHS UK information about dyslexia
Irlen UK information about Irlen syndrome
Dyslexia-friendly picture books from Booktrust
Advice for parents of dyslexic children from the British Dyslexia Association

Tips for searching our catalogue

Visit our catalogue

Search for everything we have about dyslexia

In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box
Select Subject, type ‘dyslexia’ then press OK

Search for books suitable for children, teens and adults with dyslexia

In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box
Select Publisher, type ‘Barrington Stoke’ then press OK

To filter the search results

Use the links on the right-hand side to narrow your search results down to, for example, age group, series or author.

To reserve a book from the list

Select the title you’d like to read
Check the box next to it
Follow the instructions on the screen.

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