In generations past, dyslexic children could all too often easily be spotted in the classroom - they were the ones sitting in the corner wearing the dunce's cap.

Thankfully, education has moved on since then, but understanding of dyslexia remains patchy leaving many sufferers not always receiving the help they need.

Because the condition affects reading, spelling, writing, memory and concentration it can blight a child's entire education if not identified and helped properly.

I would hope most people now know dyslexia doesn't restrict intelligence. It's a specific learning difficulty and sufferers often have highly developed abilities in non-linguistic areas such as art and music.

But if you want more proof - Michael Heseltine and photographer David Bailey are among famous sufferers.

According to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), 10 per cent of people suffer from it and four per cent are severely dyslexic.

Tonight a world-renowned authority on dyslexia Dr Harold Levinson, is visiting Bredon School, which has been providing specialist help to children with dyslexia for more than 30 years and was one of the first independent schools to develop expertise in the field.

A medical study, set up by Dr Levinson last year in Leamington, found that between 80 and 90 per cent of dyslexics responded favourably to treatment of the inner ear using simple and safe medication and nutrients similar to those given to astronauts before space flights.

And he says his methods can even prevent dyslexia developing in the first place.

It's a controversial view, strongly contested by the BDA, which says only a multi-sensory approach - saying a word when it is heard and writing it over and over again - is an effective cure.

But Susan West, head of the learning support centre at Bredon, is not so quick to dismiss any new treatment.

Although, she says the school is firmly committed to the multi-sensory approach, she is always happy to hear of potential new developments.

"Dyslexia is a complex condition, which even now, after many years of research, is by no means entirely understood," she says. "I think it's important to keep an open mind and to listen not only to what the experts say, but also to the families of children with dyslexia.

"I know that at least one parent here says her child has been greatly helped by Dr Levinson, so it will be extremely interesting to hear what he has to say when he comes to the school tonight.

"It's important that parents whose children have dyslexia should not despair - there is help available."

We have already seen huge strides in the field of dyslexia and, let's face it, if attitudes can be changed surely teachers are right not to dismiss scientific claims.