The handbook, launched this week, has been written by Catherine Taylor, dyslexia co-ordinator at Calderdale College in Halifax for seven years. She has written a simple, no frills book aimed at adults with dyslexia, their relatives, partners and friends, to explain why they are having problems and what they can do about it.

Catherine, who lives in Norland, said: "The driving force behind writing the book was to reach out to help as many people as possible. So many dyslexic people remain undiagnosed and have no idea how their lives could be transformed. We supported around 120 learners with dyslexia at Calderdale College last year and many of the students we see have been struggling alone with their difficulties for years.

"A high proportion realise there's a problem but don't know what it is and that can be very frustrating for them. It can be very emotional when they finally meet someone who understands, and eventually, with help, they begin to read more fluently and develop spelling strategies.

"As youngsters, people may have been told that they were lazy or stupid. Failed by the education system, they are often low in confidence and self esteem. Dyslexia has no link with levels of intelligence and many sufferers are extremely bright, creative, articulate, ingenious and successful in their spheres.

"Adults who thought that they were not academic often come into college and make huge achievements. We see people who might have been unemployed or working at low-paid and unfulfilling jobs who, with one-to-one, classroom and exam support, gain qualifications and transform their lives.

"I absolutely love my job. It's incredibly rewarding to see people gain in confidence and achieve their potential. You can just see the light pouring in."

A Useful Dyslexia Handbook for Adults by Catherine Taylor is published by Olympia Publishers www.olmpiapublishers.com at £5.99.