Dyslexia affects thousands of people across Ireland, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood learning differences. In a thoughtful and informative edition of Disability Matters, John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell speak with Rosie Bisset, CEO of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, about what dyslexia really is, how it affects people throughout life, and why early understanding and appropriate support can make an enormous difference.
Rosie explains that dyslexia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects reading, spelling and writing, but its impact can extend much further. Difficulties with memory, sequencing, organisation and processing information are also common, particularly under pressure.
“Dyslexia isn’t a reflection of intelligence,” Rosie explains. “People simply learn differently.”
Around one in ten people are estimated to have dyslexia, meaning there are likely to be several students with dyslexia in every classroom across Ireland. Rosie also discusses dyscalculia—often described as the “maths equivalent” of dyslexia—which affects a person’s understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts.
One of the strongest messages throughout the interview is the importance of recognising dyslexia early. Children who struggle to develop reading and spelling skills at the same pace as their classmates should be supported rather than judged. Rosie explains that many adults also discover their dyslexia later in life after years of believing they were “lazy” or “not clever enough.”
“Receiving a diagnosis can be life-changing. For many adults, it’s the first time they realise they weren’t failing—they simply learned differently.”
The conversation explores how modern teaching methods, multisensory learning approaches and assistive technology are transforming opportunities for people with dyslexia. Tools such as speech-to-text software, text readers and grammar support programmes are helping many people succeed in education and employment.
Rosie also highlights the emotional impact that dyslexia can have when it goes unrecognised.
“For many people,” she explains, “school was a place of anxiety rather than learning.”
She recalls how some children still experience embarrassment when asked to read aloud in class, despite working much harder than their peers. Building confidence and recognising effort, she says, is just as important as improving literacy skills.
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland has been supporting children, adults and families since the early 1970s. Today the organisation provides assessments, literacy support, online learning resources, information services, advocacy and training for educators, employers and families.
One of the Association’s current campaigns is calling for extra time in State examinations for students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties—an accommodation already widely available in higher education and many other countries.
Throughout the interview, Rosie reminds listeners that understanding dyslexia benefits everyone.
“What’s good teaching for someone with dyslexia is good teaching for all learners.”
This inspiring conversation challenges outdated myths and demonstrates how greater awareness, early intervention and the right supports can unlock potential, improve confidence and help people with dyslexia thrive throughout life.
For more information visit the Dyslexia Association of Ireland.
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk