Dyslexia in adults: work, study & confidence

Things adults often describe

• Avoiding reading when possible
• Confusing words that look alike
• Feeling tired after reading
• Needing to reread to understand
• Spelling mistakes, even in familiar words

Some people with dyslexia find it hard to express themselves clearly or to follow everything others say. These problems can be easy to miss but affect work and relationships.

Forgetting names of people and places is something many adults with dyslexia describe.

Dyslexia can also affect number skills and planning. Some people are highly skilled in some areas but find everyday tasks harder than others do.

Dyslexia happens at all intellectual levels, and people with dyslexia can be very bright. It is not caused by a lack of intelligence or wanting to learn.

Many people with dyslexia develop strong problem-solving, creative thinking, communication and resilience.

Strengths people often notice in themselves

• Explaining things out loud
• Seeing the big picture
• Solving problems in new ways
• Working hard and not giving up

Spending years covering up reading or spelling can leave people waiting to be “found out.” That feeling is common, and it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve your place.

Try swapping

• “I’m so stupid” → “My brain processes words differently. I’m not stupid.”
• “I always mess this up” → “Spelling is hard for me. Spellcheck is my tool.”
• “Everyone will notice” → “Most people are busy with their own work.”

A one-minute reset

1. Notice the thought: “I’m having the thought that I’m useless.”
2. Take three slow breaths.
3. Remind yourself: “Lots of people with dyslexia feel this way.”
4. Pick one small next step.

Talking with other adults with dyslexia can help you feel less alone. Support groups and local organizations are listed in “When and where to get help.”

Ask a teacher or learning support officer what your college, university or apprenticeship offers.

Tools students often use

• Audiobooks and text-to-speech
• Smartpens that record lectures
• Spelling and grammar checkers
• Word processing software

Ideas to try

• Break reading into short sessions
• Listen to a text while following the words
• Make color-coded notes and outlines
• Record yourself explaining a topic, then listen back
• Talk through ideas before writing them down

Examples

• Electronic book readers
• Reading pens that read words aloud
• Recorded instructions and messages
• Screen readers and text readers

Examples

• Electronic dictionaries
• Speech recognition (talk-to-type) software
• Spelling and grammar checkers
• Word processing software

Examples

• Color-coded manuals and outlines
• Color contrast overlays
• Fonts and spacing that are easier to read
• On-screen reading rulers

Ideas to try

• Ask a trusted coworker to check important documents
• Dictate first drafts, then edit
• Keep templates for messages you send often
• Read your writing aloud with text-to-speech before sending

Ideas to try

• Ask for agendas or documents ahead of time
• Ask for instructions in writing or recorded
• Record meetings, if allowed
• Summarize actions out loud at the end

Ideas to try

• Ask for extra time for reading-heavy tasks
• Do reading tasks when you’re freshest
• Swap reading-heavy tasks with a coworker for tasks that suit you
• Use checklists for multi-step jobs

People with dyslexia are often capable or even gifted in areas like art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, sales and sports.

Examples from the EEOC

• Adjusting exams, training materials or policies
• Changing or adding equipment
• Modified work schedules
• Providing readers
• Restructuring a job

Employers must provide them unless it would cause significant difficulty or expense. They can’t lower your pay to cover the cost.

You can share before or after a job offer, once you’ve started, or never. It often helps to tell the person who can arrange changes, and to practice a short, positive script first.

Medical information you share must be kept confidential and in a separate file.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) gives free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Visit askjan.org.

A disability discrimination charge usually must be filed within 180 days, or up to 300 days if a state or local law also applies.

Ideas to try

• Ask “Can I take this home to fill in?”
• Ask someone you trust to read it with you
• Photograph it and use a text-to-speech app
• Take your time, even if there’s a queue

Reading aloud can stay stressful even after reading becomes fluent.

Things you could say

• “I’d rather summarize it in my own words.”
• “Could I see it beforehand?”
• “Would someone else like to read this one?”

Ideas to try

• Send voice notes or call instead of typing
• Turn on predictive text and spellcheck
• Use your phone’s read-aloud setting for long messages

Dyslexia runs in families, and parents with dyslexia are very likely to have children with dyslexia. Your own experience can help you spot signs early and speak up for your child.

What helps

• Asking “Would it help if I read this out?” instead of taking over
• Never joking about spelling or reading
• Noticing strengths out loud
• Sending voice notes or calling, if that’s easier

The Learning Disabilities Association of America has state and local affiliates and supports adults with learning disabilities. The International Dyslexia Association has local branches and fact sheets.