What is Dyslexia and How Do I Know if I’m Dyslexic? Challenges and Strengths of Dyslexia in Adults.
For those of us who are dyslexic, challenges with reading and writing can have a big impact on our confidence, ways of working, and career aspirations.
We understand very well how dyslexia can create daily frustrations both at work and in life. However, with the right awareness and strategies, we can navigate these challenges effectively and learn how to tap into our unique strengths.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference, meaning that dyslexic people’s brains are wired differently. Research suggests that a dyslexic person tends to rely more on the ‘visual’ (usually right) side of their brain to process information. In contrast, non-dyslexic people typically use the ‘verbal’ (usually left) side. For dyslexic folks, this means that our brains may change words into images to understand them. Then, we need to convert the image back into words to reply. Obviously, this process takes extra effort and time, affecting our reading, writing, and spelling, and our daily lives beyond study or work.[i]
One of the main challenges with dyslexia is that it’s often not identified in childhood. Many of us reach adulthood without a diagnosis, even though we experience lifelong challenges, not recognising them as dyslexia. You may have spent most of your life believing you are not good enough or not trying hard enough. Your environment may have supported these false beliefs, labelling you as slow to learn or not hardworking enough.
What Dyslexia is Not?
Dyslexia is not an illness, but rather a difference in how the brain processes language.
It is also not a reflection of a person’s intelligence or capability. There are many highly successful and intelligent people with Dyslexia. For instance, the Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar Award winning actor, Whoopi Goldberg, shares about her experience:
“When I was a kid they didn’t call it dyslexia. They called it, you know, you were slow … I knew I wasn’t stupid, and I knew I wasn’t dumb … The advantage of dyslexia is that my brain puts information in my head in a different way”
In Aotearoa New Zealand, around 10% of the adult population is estimated to be dyslexic, with varying levels of dyslexic thinking.[ii]
Recognising Dyslexia in Adults: How Do I Know If I’m Dyslexic?
Dyslexia is most often associated with challenges in reading and writing, but it can show up in many ways throughout one’s life. While each experience with dyslexia is individual, here are some common signs you might experience as an adult:
- You read and write slowly
- There’s a big gap between your verbal and written skills
- You need to re-read sentences or paragraphs to understand them
- You misread or misinterpret information
- You have difficulty reading unfamiliar words
- You struggle with spelling common words and confuse similar words like “bat” and “bet”
- You experience challenges structuring sentences or organising your thoughts in writing, note-taking, or copying text
- You find it hard to scan or skim text and feel overwhelmed by large amounts of text, e.g., reports or contracts
- You find it challenging to follow written instructions or read aloud, and feel overwhelmed when receiving multiple instructions at once
- You often forget conversations, tasks, or important dates
- You experience difficulty with organisation, prioritising tasks, or meeting deadlines
- You have difficulty distinguishing left from right
- You experience challenges with self-esteem
What are the Strengths of Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not just about challenges. Dyslexic people have many unique strengths that are valuable in the workplace and beyond. Learning to leverage these strengths can transform how you approach tasks, cope with challenges more effectively, and boost your confidence.
Many dyslexic people are wonderfully creative and imaginative. We can be disruptive thinkers, in a good way! We are often great at thinking outside the box and approaching problems from different angles. While we may struggle with written language, our verbal communication skills are frequently strong, so most of us have excellent skills connecting and empathising with people.
Research shows that many successful entrepreneurs are dyslexic, likely due to their resilience, adaptability, and innovative thinking.[iii]
Dyslexia at Work
In adults, dyslexia can manifest in numerous ways. However, challenges with reading and writing are the most obvious in the workplace. If you are dyslexic, the administrative tasks you face every day at the office can be challenging because most workplaces are set up for non-dyslexic thinkers. You may subsequently have difficulties with organisation and memory that impact your performance. Most dyslexic adults have imposter syndrome and believe they will be criticised for their challenges. This often stems from our painful earlier experiences of being misunderstood or criticised for our dyslexic traits and can lead to masking (trying to hide our dyslexia) and suffering in silence.
However, an affirming workplace environment and supportive line manager can make all the difference. With appropriate strategies and some modifications, dyslexic people can be highly successful in their careers. Dyslexic employees have the right to request reasonable accommodations at work, such as pre-read before meetings and being able to use assistive technology like screen readers. Employers and teams who realise that dyslexia is a neurodiverse asset and not a weakness can benefit from the abilities dyslexic employees possess to bring to the table.
How to Support a Dyslexic Coworker
Employee wellbeing is one of the pillars of a successful business or corporation. Noticing difficulties a colleague or employee faces is the first step toward raising awareness and providing practical accommodations that reduce unnecessary challenges.
Support a dyslexic coworker or employee by encouraging an open and understanding work environment. Use flexible communication methods, allowing for spoken rather than written communication where possible. Use assistive technology such as speech-to-text software audiobooks, and encourage dyslexic employees to use mind maps instead of traditional notes. Even simple adjustments like allowing extra time for written tasks, offering verbal instructions alongside written ones, and being patient with spelling or reading difficulties can make a significant difference.
However, recognising strengths is key. Dyslexic employees often bring valuable problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovative thinking to the workplace, so fostering an environment where these are recognised benefits both the individual and the organisation.
The good news is that in Aotearoa, workplaces are increasingly becoming neuro-inclusive. Employers who incorporate training in dyslexia and accessibility, such as those offered by MindMatters Clinic, create a more harmonious working environment, enhancing people’s and businesses’ lives.
Having a Diagnosis as an Adult
If you would like to consider a dyslexia diagnosis, contact your GP or enquire with providers listed on the Dyslexia New Zealand directory. You may want to start with a self-screening test, which can be found online, and share a copy of the results with your GP.
For those who are able to access a diagnostic assessment, it can be a validating and helpful experience. However, in New Zealand, it is rare for adults to access a funded assessment. Explore funding options with your GP, but bear in mind that a wait and significant cost may be unavoidable.
Practical Strategies for Dyslexic Adults
Self-acceptance and unmasking
Dyslexia is a difference, not a defect. Learn to truly embrace what it means to be a dyslexic person, and to stop hiding and instead celebrate your difference. Working with a neuroaffirming therapist can help, as can connecting with the dyslexic community.
Make the most of your strengths
Focus on the roles and tasks that draw on your strengths, such as creative problem-solving, people communication, and big-picture thinking.
Develop strategies for managing your differences
Growing up, there was probably low awareness of dyslexia which meant you didn’t have the opportunity to learn ways to operate that work for you. Most people instead try to force themselves into a non-dyslexic mode, leading to frustration and shame. Explore and experiment until you find what works. Use checklists, colour-coding to organise, and phone alarms to improve time management. Request pre-read for appointments, meetings, or training sessions. As a dyslexic adult, this can be a gamechanger.
Use assistive technology
Speech-to-text, programs like Grammarly, and audiobooks can assist the process of reading and writing. There are ever-growing options, many of which are freely available.
Find support
Association with advocacy groups , for example, the Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand, or networks within your community or workplace can provide practical advice and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Dyslexia is a life-long neurodevelopmental variation and not a defect. Dyslexic individuals offer unique strengths and perspectives to their workplaces, communities, and industries. There are challenges but embracing dyslexia, getting to know yourself and your needs, and making adjustments to navigate our predominantly non-dyslexic world can help us to succeed in life and at work.
If you’re looking to learn more about dyslexia, see the Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand[iv] for more resources or find out about workplace neurodiversity programs with MindMatters Clinic.
References
[ii] https://www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz/dyslexiaweek/d_assessment.html
[iii] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24309193_Dyslexic_Entrepreneurs_The_Incidence_Their_Coping_Strategies_and_Their_Business_Skills