ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of dyslexia on the holistic development of the child and dispel some myths about the gender imbalance and prevalence. It attempts to put forward a hypothesis that considers dyslexia under a much broader banner than perhaps people have done until now. The chapter shows that dyslexia does not start and stop at defined points, but is an inherent part of a person's thinking process and remains ongoing throughout life. Estimates of the gender split in prevalence of dyslexia have for many years been between 4:1 and 6:1 in favour of males, creating an idea that girls rarely have dyslexia. B. Riddick examined levels of self-esteem in adults with dyslexia and found that their poor levels of self-esteem were not only confined to issues of reading and literacy, but were far more pervasive, infusing all aspects of their life.
