DYSLEXIA is a lifelong learning disability that affects roughly 5–10% of the population worldwide, is more common in boys than in girls and tends to run in families.
With October being Dyslexia Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to bring attention to dyslexia, a learning difference that affects millions of people worldwide.
Lillian Henderson, marketing director for Southern and Eastern Africa at BIC, said that writing should be a doorway to creativity and learning for children, but for many with dyslexia, writing can be a challenge.
While dyslexia becomes very apparent once a child starts learning to read, the signs of dyslexia may appear earlier. Some children can (and do) exhibit symptoms as young as three years old.
Some of the first signs of dyslexia are:
• rhyming difficulties
• difficulties following directions, telling stories and reciting the alphabet
• unable to sound out new, unfamiliar words
• speech delays
• difficulties identifying the letters in their name
• mispronounces words
Understanding dyslexia
She said that while dyslexia is rooted in difficulties with phonological processing – trouble identifying speech sounds and connecting them to letters and words, which makes reading a challenge – it can also disrupt a range of other skills, including writing, spelling and even the ability to express ideas on paper.
Dyslexia and fine motor skills
Because many children with dyslexia face challenges with fine motor skills, Henderson said that even holding a pencil can be a struggle. “If a pen feels too heavy, too thin or awkward to grip, a child might press down too hard, clutch the pen tightly or need frequent breaks because their hands get tired or sore.”
She said this often creates a cycle of frustration: the more their hands hurt, the less they want to write, and the less they practise, the more difficult writing becomes.
“Over time, this can affect not just their handwriting but also their willingness to engage with written tasks. As a result, it can be difficult to develop an automatic flow that helps them to express themselves in writing. Ergonomic pens and pencils designed with comfort in mind can help pupils who find holding a pen or pencil uncomfortable.”
Encouraging a positive writing experience
Writing is not just about putting letters on paper – it’s a way for kids to express their creativity and boost their confidence. She said that research indicates that many students who struggle with dyslexia also battle low self-esteem, and negative experiences with schoolwork can only worsen confidence.
“When kids see their words take shape without sore hands or smudged lines, it gives them a genuine sense of pride and accomplishment. This can be just what they need to keep trying even when writing feels difficult.”
She added that using the right stationery can make a world of difference for children, especially those with dyslexia.
“By providing tools that reduce discomfort, you can make writing less of a physical struggle so they can put their energy into learning, growing and expressing their thoughts.”
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