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> Thus, we might reasonably assume that if English spelling was more phonetic (with > a truer and more consistent relationship between spelling and pronunciation) we > would have fewer diagnosed dyslexics, as a result. Maybe, but what I think is more dramatic is the inconsistency used by others. This dyslexic learned by reading voraciously and in a way where everyone spelled words the English way. Now we have both English and American spellings in everyday use which surely adds to confusion and slows down learning, not least amongst dyslexics. That may be why more dyslexics are diagnosed today than 40 years ago. Another reason may be increased awareness of it. And yet another reason may be that we rely on the written word far more nowadays than back then, and somebody who "had trouble with their letters" might get along fine without them to some degree. I've spent some time with Romany families where illiteracy is not uncommon, and they don't blame it on dyslexia. FWIW, I was taught my letters traditionally, not phonetically, and it was difficult until the age of 12 or 13 when I started reading fiction heavily - but school was not able to help in any way, despite some otherwise good teachers, because it wasn't understood. I still sometimes write a word and know it's wrong, but am unable to 'see' the correct way of spelling it. That's where computers come in very handy :) Also - everyone who has dyslexia is different and may need different ways of help. I know from talking to others that they've had a very different journey, and many of them have been affected much worse than I. Si -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/listfaq