In order to gain fluent reading and writing skills, automaticity is important. Fluent readers automatically recall words quickly and accurately – their eyes flow over the page. Spelling is the opposite process but good spellers automatically recall letters in words – it just comes out the end of the pen.

Individuals with dyslexia struggle to make the automatic links between sounds and letter patterns. They have to be taught explicitly and thoroughly the rules of the English language – which are complex but not impossible. Without explicit instruction those with dyslexia often struggle to develop accurate decoding skills leading to slow and disjointed reading. This makes reading very effortful and is often why they tire quickly when completing reading or writing tasks. 

Weaknesses with auditory sequential memory skills are also common. This makes retaining verbal information challenging which impacts on the ability to remember what they have read affecting comprehension. However, comprehension skills are not usually a weakness. It is the slow reading that prevents individuals from remembering what they have read. It can also affect handwriting, sentence construction, performance of everyday tasks and planning skills for written work

Reading experts have different theories as to why Dyslexia occurs. However, decades of research prove that MSL techniques using a structured, explicit, cumulative, phonics based approach is the best way for ALL individuals to learn literacy skills.