"n. abnormal difficulty in reading and spelling,
     caused by a condition of the brain.     
    -dyslexic adj. & n. [f. G. f. Gk(DYS-, lexis speech)]

For this study, I have not considered other symptoms in great detail that could be associated with dyslexia, those of hand to eye co-ordination, memory, sequencing and visual orientation, but in the above definition as regards to computing.

It is a condition which it is estimated affects 10% of the UK population, (see A brief history of dyslexia below), and in America it is estimated 40 million children and adults remain unidentified and untreated, (Dyslexia Treatment and Counselling Center San Jose, CA), and as yet its? cause is a matter of debate. In a recent study carried out by the American, Kathleen La Valle of the NLP Seminars Group International, it was found in some cases that slight tapping on the side on the head, parents, relative and friends, lovingly inflict on young children can cause slight brain damage in the auditory association cortex. It is also said that damage whilst in development in the womb, in turn can lead to the condition of dyslexia.

Volger, De Freis and Decker, and others have found evidence, some anecdotal, that should the parents of a child be dyslexic, then there is significantly more likelihood that their offspring will have reading problems.

Dyslexia in the workplace is not recognised as a disability, but recent debates in the House of Lords on dyslexia promoted by Lord A Aldington, Lord Radnor and Lord Renwick, has resulted in the Government stating that it "did intend to do more for dyslexics", John M Park, Dyslexia 2000 Network, Trade Union recognition, one way forward.

Dr. S. Moody in his paper Dyslexia in the Workplace, stated,

    "The problems faced by dyslexic children and students are now widely acknowledged and understood. But there is still widespread ignorance about the problems faced by working people.."

Judith Stansfield in her article "How computers can facilitate inclusion for dyslexic people", states that poor reading and spelling are the greatest constraint to independence.

C. Singleton in Computers and Dyslexia states that computer use is a powerful way of helping dyslexic learners of all ages to fulfil their potential through success and improved self-esteem, but as my research shows, little software or hardware is available to help the adult dyslexic.