Pupils with dyslexia, who also struggle with learning Chinese, will be able to get help under a new programme launched by the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

People with dyslexia have difficulty reading, writing, and spelling. The condition ranges from mild to severe forms and often occurs alongside other learning disabilities such as attention deficit disorder.

The Chinese remediation programme, which started with a pilot in January this year, will be extended to all centres run by DAS. Currently it is offered at three of the association's centres - in Tampines, Bishan Junction 8, and the newest centre at Chinatown Point which opened on Tuesday.

About 20 students attend the programme but the Association hopes to reach out 100 students by the beginning of next year. DAS said that it surveyed 600 parents with children attending a literacy programme in DAS, and 80 per cent said they wanted a Chinese programme for their kids.