Coping with Dyslexia as an Adult

Managing and coping with dyslexia in school is a challenge for many students, but what about the challenges adults with dyslexia face? After graduating high school, there aren’t as many resources for adults with dyslexia, and they might worry about how they’ll manage college or responsibilities in the workplace. If you have dyslexia, or think you may have undiagnosed dyslexia, you may be relieved to hear that there are options available to help make your life a little easier.

Dyslexia in Higher Education

 At the Yale Center For Dyslexia And Creativity, researchers asked college students with dyslexia what to do in order to succeed and thrive in higher education, and their answers could put your mind at ease if you’re planning to attend college. A few of their best tips include:​

• Use your time wisely. Along with asking for extra time on tests, students with dyslexia may benefit from breaking up large assignments into smaller parts, asking for short-answer tests instead of multiple choice exams, and planning ahead for upcoming projects.

• Make studying simple. Finding a quiet place to study to review notes and complete homework is essential. Remember that your notes only have to be understood by you; you can use doodles to illustrate concepts, make flash cards, color-code specific words, or draw out diagrams to create visuals for yourself. 

• Use technology. Take advantage of technology! You can listen to an audiobook while following along in your assigned book to make reading easier, use dictation programs to complete essays, and ask your professors if it’s OK to record their lectures so you don’t have to stress about taking notes.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having extra help from a tutor or from your college’s writing center might be essential for your success. Don’t feel ashamed to use these resources; they’re there for a reason.

Dyslexia in the Workplace

No matter what career path you’re pursuing, there’s always going to be some reading and writing involved. Adults with dyslexia may also find it challenging to stay organized, remember important information, and manage their time while at work. However, there are some ways to manage your dyslexia and avoid getting overwhelmed in the workplace:​

• SQ3R. This acronym stands for “Scan, Question, and 3 R’s: Read, Remember, Review.” The system was created in 1960 and it makes it easier for people to read and understand documents. Basically, readers should first scan the page for important information, such as highlighted or bolded words, and then question what kind of information they should expect to get. After reading the full text, readers should write down key points, and read over the document a final time.

• Writing tips. If you need to write memos or other reports at work, you might dread it and be tempted to procrastinate. Instead, make a plan for your writing assignment, set deadlines for yourself, and organize your thoughts before writing. You may also find templates online for certain documents, like invoices or letters, to help you stay organized.

• Know how you learn best. Remembering important information can be difficult for adults with dyslexia, and stress or anxiety may make it worse. To retain information, you should know if you’re more of a visual learner and need to see how a process is completed, or if you prefer listening. You could also try using mnemonic devices to remember specific facts.  

• Organization advice. Dyslexia may cause you to be constantly running late or forgetting important times and details. To stay organized, make it a habit to write daily lists of tasks you need to complete. You can even set reminders or alarms on your phone so you know when you need to go to a meeting or turn in a report. 

Common Symptoms of Dyslexia in Adults

Dyslexia affects about 1 out of 10 individuals, yet many adults have never been diagnosed. They may have done well hiding their dyslexia throughout their school years, or only had mild symptoms. When those with dyslexia get older, most have developed strategies to help them read and write, but they may deal with other symptoms such as:​

• Confusing right and left, or have other troubles with spatial reasoning. 

• Feeling unfocused or experiencing visual problems while reading.

• Rarely reading for pleasure.

• Confusing similar words or letters while reading or writing.

• Difficulty transcribing messages or writing reports.

• Experiencing memory problems.

If you believe you could have undiagnosed dyslexia, visit your doctor for an assessment.

What Resources are Available?

If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia, you can request accommodations at school and in the workplace. A formal diagnosis ensures that you can take the time you need to complete exams in college and be successful at work. There are also free resources online to help you learn how to read and write more effectively. With the help of technology, workplace accommodations, and college writing centers, adults with dyslexia can feel confident and prepared for their future.

By:  Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist