The Foundation website is designed to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference for information about dyslexia in New Zealand. It is a web portal for information about dyslexia, and provides an extensive listing of most of the providers of dyslexia assessment and assistance throughout NZ.

As the resources on this site show, there are many ways to address dyslexia and effect real change for those who are facing the challenges that dyslexia can bring. Please note, however, that the Dyslexia Foundation of NZ does not endorse or recommend any specific method, treatment, product, programme, organizations or individuals in regard to assistance for dyslexic children or adults.

Through the Foundation website, we seek to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference for information about dyslexia in New Zealand.

For a list of most of the major Dyslexia service providers, click here >>.

For information about the work of the Foundation, please click here >>.

Listen to Guy Pope-Mayell discuss "Dyslexia in New Zealand" click here >>.

Q: What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a different way of thinking that may affect one in ten New Zealanders. 

Based on international statistics, there maybe over 70,000 NZ children who are dyslexic and up to 10% of NZ adults – this maybe more than 400,000 individual NZers whose lives are affected to varying degrees by their dyslexic thinking.

There are many differing theories about what causes dyslexia and how best to provide support for dyslexic individuals.

However, no matter what the cause, the difficulties for dyslexic children in the education sector and for dyslexic adults in the wider community are clear and evident.

Many dyslexic learners are at a disadvantage in our “mainstream” education system as the classroom environment and teaching strategies are not designed to support learning that suits their way of thinking and learning.

And in the wider community, dyslexic adults continue to be challenged by the lack of understanding for their way of perceiving and viewing the world.

Many courses, programmes & methods are now available throughout NZ to assist dyslexic individuals.

The Dyslexia Foundation encourages everyone who is seeking assistance to speak with a range of organizations.

It is also important to seek a range of information and opinions about what type of programme would suit you, your family, budget and timing constraints.

For an introduction to the different approaches and some of the organizations and programmes available - click here>>.

 The Ministry of Education has created a working definition of dyslexia - Click here

 The Ministry of Education Team-Up website now has some valuable information - Click here

Q: What dyslexia is not?

Dyslexia is not a disease or an illness. Dyslexia is not caused by brain or nerve damage, eye or inner ear defects. Being dyslexic does not mean that you or your child should be labeled as “slow to learn, not trying hard enough, suffering from learned helplessness”.

Q: What are the challenges of  dyslexia?

When a young dyslexic child starts school full of curiosity, their journey into a world that does not understand their way of thinking begins.

Many teachers and schools have not been trained to recognise dyslexia in their students, and they are not resourced or equipped to provide the specific learning opportunities that best suit dyslexic learners.

The resulting self doubt, frustration and despair often leads to predictable and counterproductive behaviours and coping strategies. Examples include inattention, day-dreaming, becoming "invisible" or the “class clown” to a name a few. The good news is that dyslexic children and adults can overcome the challenge of learning in a world of “words”. Firstly, and most importantly, there needs to be recognition and celebration for their alternative way of thinking by both dyslexics and non-dyslexics. Secondly, the dyslexic individual must take responsibility for their thinking style and acquire the understanding, tools and skills that can help them to overcome their learning difficulties . For a child, this can only happen when schools, teachers and parents seek understanding & offer environments and learning opportunities that allow the dyslexic child to reach their potential.

The Foundation is now working with the Ministry of Education to help to overcome some of these challenges.

Q: What are the upsides of dyslexia?

The upside of dyslexia is the ability to perceive the world from many perspectives; to view the same thing from many different angles allowing special talents and skills in fields such as art and creativity, design, engineering and leadership.