Executive summary
Between 10 to 15 percent of people have dyslexia. This means that dyslexia is the most common specific learning difference, effecting between 6.6 and 9.9 million people in the UK and between 800,000 and 1.3 million young people in education. Whilst dyslexia is not directly linked to emotional or mental health issues, failing to diagnose dyslexia early, and inadequate support – both academic and emotional – during education and beyond leads often to a short and long term human cost of dyslexia. Drawing on the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), this report explores the extent of the psychological impact dyslexia is having on people with dyslexia and their families in the UK. This report also makes recommendations on how to improve the provision to directly and indirectly reduce the emotional and mental health issues discussed.
