New techiques can help children with learning difficulties

World experts on dyslexia are meeting in Bangor for the three-day event, where the latest techniques to help people with the condition will be showcased.

Dyslexia is known to affect around 10% of people and nearly half of those have serious difficulties with reading and writing.

Teachers and parents of children with difficulties are invited to attend a key speech by American specialist Professor Joe Torgesen on Sunday.

The conference has been organised by the Dyslexia Unit at the University of Wales, Bangor.

Dr Victor Van Daal, the director of the unit, said that advanced techniques were having an impact on the problem.

One in six people are affected by dyslexia

"We now know quite a lot about dyslexia and what goes on in the brain when someone reads," he said.

"Using high tech scanners and computers, researchers can watch what is happening when certain parts of the brain are engaged in a task.

"Their work is important to children because it helps teachers to develop effective ways of teaching."

Ann Cooke, from the unit, said the specialists can help learners such as 11-year-old Sandy, a local boy who struggled to write.

"His writing looks unreadable, but it makes sense when you decipher it - there is nothing wrong with the way he thinks," she said.

"With special help, he has made the breakthrough to being able to read and write.

"Following help from dyslexia specialists, he's reading Harry Potter like all his friends - though it takes him a bit longer because he still has to work out some of the long words."

Professor Torgesen, Director of the Florida Centre for Reading Research at Florida State University, will give his lecture at 1400 BST in the Main Arts Building at the University of Wales in Bangor.