Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common neurodifference that affects millions of people worldwide, and an estimated 10% of the UK population. It is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to accurately and fluently read, write, and spell. Dyslexia is often diagnosed in childhood, but many people may not be diagnosed until later in life.
Dyslexic individuals may have challenges with phonological processing, which means they have challenges with breaking down and manipulating sounds in words. Dyslexia can also affect a person's working memory, which can impact their ability to remember and process information. Despite these challenges, dyslexic individuals often possess many unique skills and talents, and can have successful careers and lives with the right tools and support.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It is often hereditary and affects individuals of all ages. It is not related to intelligence, and dyslexic individuals can possess many unique skills and strengths.
Dyslexia varies from person to person, and no two people have the same set of strengths and challenges. Characteristic features of dyslexia include challenges in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.
Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities and is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, as there are no clear cut-off points.
“I didn’t tell anyone at work I had dyslexia for years. I was able to do many parts of my job easily and well, but I spent a lot of long evenings going over documents and feeling frustrated with the quality of my notes. I found some practical strategies really helped, such as formatting documents so they were easier for me to process and switching to dictation software.”
- Kate,
Social Services Administrator
Common Strengths Associated with Dyslexia
Dyslexia is often seen as a learning difference, but it is important to recognise that dyslexic individuals can possess many strengths and talents. These can be utilised in a variety of settings, and can contribute to success in many areas of personal and professional life.
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One common strength dyslexic individuals may possess is increased creativity. Dyslexia is often associated with a more visual way of thinking, which can lead to innovative and imaginative ideas. This creativity can be useful in fields such as art, design, and advertising.
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Dyslexic individuals often have strong problem-solving skills. They may be used to thinking outside the box and finding alternative solutions to problems, which can be an asset in fields such as engineering, technology, and science.
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Dyslexic individuals often have a strong sense of spatial awareness. This can be useful in fields such as architecture, construction, and engineering. Some individuals may also have a talent for reading maps and navigating their way around new environments.
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Other key skills of many dyslexic individuals are strong emotional intelligence, empathy and the ability to understand the emotions of others. These can be an asset in fields such as counselling, teaching, and social work.
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Many dyslexic individuals are often driven and determined, with entrepreneurial skills that can be incredibly beneficial to businesses.
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Another key strength often possessed by dyslexic individuals is outside-the-box thinking, which can help with problem-solving and bringing new perspectives and ideas to tasks.
Causes of Dyslexia & Common Traits
The exact causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to differences in how an individual’s brain processes information.
The traits associated with dyslexia can vary from person to person, but some common signs include challenges with reading, writing and spelling, as well as problems with language comprehension and visual processing. Dyslexic individuals may also have challenges with memory, organisation, and time management, although it is important to note that every individual will have their own strengths and challenges.
Many people with dyslexia possess unique skills. These skills vary from person to person, but commonly include having the ability to alter and create perceptions, see the bigger picture, coming up with big ideas and being great with creativity, story-telling and problem-solving.
Diagnosis of Dyslexia
It is important to get a diagnosis of dyslexia as early as possible, as this can help individuals to access appropriate support and accommodations.
Assessment Process
The assessment process for dyslexia typically involves a range of tests and assessments. These may include cognitive assessments, reading and writing tests, and interviews with the individual and their family. The assessment process is usually carried out by a specialist dyslexia assessor.
During the assessment process, we may look at the individual's reading and writing abilities, as well as their phonological skills and memory. We may also assess their visual and auditory processing abilities, as well as their attention and concentration.
Diagnostic Tools
There are a range of diagnostic tools that can be used to assess dyslexia. These may include:
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth UK Edition (WAIS-IV UK)
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Third UK Edition (WIAT-III UK)
Test of Word Reading Efficiency – Second Edition (TOWRE-2)
Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing – Second Edition (CTOPP-2)
Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT5)
The Adult Reading Test, Second Edition (ART-2).
These tools are designed to assess different aspects of dyslexia, such as phonological processing, reading comprehension, and spelling. They can help us to identify the areas where the individual is facing challenges, and develop appropriate interventions and support.
By using a range of diagnostic tools and assessments, we can identify the areas where the individual is experiencing challenges, and develop a tailored plan to support their learning and development.
Did You Know?
There is more than one type of dyslexia
Dyslexia often runs in families
Dyslexia does not affect intelligence
Many famous people have dyslexia
(for example, Richard Branson, Kiera Knightley, Whoopi Goldberg and Stephen Spielberg)
Living with Dyslexia
Dyslexia can have significant implications for individuals in various aspects of their lives, from their experiences in education to social interactions. Despite these challenges, however, dyslexic individuals can bring a wealth of skills and strengths to both professional and personal situations.
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Dyslexic individuals may experience challenges with reading, writing, and spelling, which can affect their performance in academic settings. This may present via challenges in keeping up with reading assignments, comprehending written material, and expressing ideas in writing. However, with appropriate support and accommodations, dyslexic individuals can succeed academically. Many dyslexic individuals also possess strong creativity and visual-thinking skills, which can help them to thrive in areas of study such as art and design.
Some examples of accommodations that may be helpful include using audiobooks, speech-to-text software, and assistive technology devices. Additionally, providing extra time for assignments and exams, as well as allowing for alternative forms of assessment, such as oral presentations, can also be beneficial.
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Dyslexia can also have social implications, as dyslexic individuals may experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and self-esteem. Challenges with reading and writing may affect their confidence participating in certain group activities, such as book clubs or written assignments. Despite these potential challenges, dyslexic individuals are often highly emotionally intelligent, giving them a keen ability to empathise with others, which is important in social settings and personal relationships.
It is important to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for dyslexic individuals, where they feel valued and understood.
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The emotional impact of dyslexia can be significant, as individuals may experience frustration, anxiety, and stress related to their neurodifference. This can lead to a negative self-image and a lack of motivation, which can further impact their wellbeing.
To empower dyslexic individuals, it is important to provide emotional support and resources, which may include counselling services, peer support groups, and mindfulness techniques to help manage stress and anxiety. With these in place, dyslexic individuals can succeed and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Whilst living with dyslexia can be challenging, with the right support and accommodations, individuals can learn how to manage their traits effectively, and make the most of their unique skills. Here are some tips and advice that may help:
Acceptance
Accepting that you have dyslexia is the first step towards managing it effectively. It's important to understand that dyslexia is not related to intelligence, but rather a difference in the way the brain processes information.
Support
It is important to seek support from family, friends, and professionals who understand dyslexia. This can include teachers, tutors, and educational psychologists who can provide guidance and practical advice.
Strategies
There are many strategies that can help manage dyslexia, including:
Using assistive technology such as text-to-speech software or speech-to-text software
Breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps
Using visual aids such as mind maps or diagrams
Using coloured overlays or lenses to reduce visual stress
Self-Care
Managing dyslexia can be tiring, so it's important to take care of yourself. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
Advocacy
Advocating for yourself and other dyslexic individuals can help raise awareness and promote understanding. This can include speaking up about your needs and advocating for accommodations in school or the workplace.
With the right support and strategies, it's possible to live a fulfilling and successful life with dyslexia.
Download our Dyslexia Information Sheet:
This information sheet has been created by our team of expert psychologists, and provides information about Dyslexia, common challenges, and suggestions of the support available.
How Can Lexxic Help?
At Lexxic, we have a range of diagnostic tools to help assess your needs, or the needs of your employees.
Our team of highly qualified psychologists provide support and advice for adults in the workplace. We work with you from the point of diagnosis, through to identifying what you need to get the best long-term outcomes.
We can help you to better understand your strengths and challenges, know your learning style, and give you training for specific skills.
Get in touch if you would like to chat with one of our team, or find out more about the services we can provide.
Further Resources
We were established in 2007 by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Nicola James, after managing the challenges of her own dyslexia in the corporate sector. Nicola often contributes to our blog pages, providing insightful experiences and tips that can help people with managing their dyslexia - you’re not alone!
Why not take a read of her latest blog post?
Alternatively, take a browse of our full blog: News and Blog
