Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning differences. It usually runs in families and is a life-long condition.
There is a misconception that dyslexia just affects the ability to read and write. If this were true, it would be much easier to identify. In fact, dyslexia can have an effect on areas such as coordination, organisation and memory. Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them and as such, each will have their own set of abilities and difficulties.
Dyslexia impacts every part of life. Individuals with dyslexia are confronted regularly by tasks that are, either in reality or in their perception, extremely difficult for them.
Stigma and Mental Health impact
Experience or fear of social stigma can lead people with dyslexia to camouflage the difficulties they face, to withdraw and to adopt negative coping strategies that can have a lasting impact on their emotional health. Yet they often have some amazing strengths that are hidden as a result.
To reduce the stigma associated with dyslexia that has long been perceived as a ‘learning difficulty’, we need to think about the language we use.
Neurodiversity Explained
Neurodiversity is a relatively new term. It helps to promote the view that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. It is used to counter negative social connotations that currently exist and to make it easier for people of all neurotypes to contribute to the world as they are, rather than attempting to think or appear more ‘typically’.
Dyslexia – which affects about 10% of the UK population – whilst it is identified by problems with reading, writing and spelling as common traits, it also correlates with creativity, problem-solving, story-telling and enhanced verbal communication skills. Dyslexic people are known for entrepreneurship – for example, Richard Branson and IKEA-founder Ingvar Kamprad – and are often proficient at viewing the ‘bigger picture’.
The world needs neurodiversity. There is a good reason why nature is neurodiverse. Different ways of thinking solve more problems.
What can employers do?
Employers can do a great deal to support individuals, maximise their strengths, and assist where there are challenges. Some tops tips to help those with dyslexia:
- Virtual meetings – record them so they can listen back again, and remove the pressure to take notes whilst ‘live’
- Software – Microsoft has dictation tools and screen reading tools built in, but do consider specialist software (such as Ghotit or TextHelp), especially if you have bespoke systems
- Printed material – the use of coloured paper, or coloured overlays can help significantly to reduce the eye strain that comes with the challenge of reading, that can often contribute to migraines and increased stress.
- Sharing information – consider sharing agendas ahead of time so this can be read or digested at an individual pace; and think about more visual methods or sharing data where possible.
- Individual Assessments – neurodiversity is just that…. diverse! So have a personalised assessment (use Access to Work – DWP funded, or Occupational Health) and reach out to specialist organisations for coaching and advice bespoke to the individual.
Finally, an understanding and informed management style plays a crucial role in enabling neurodivergent staff to thrive. It is vital that, in a neurodiverse workplace, managers are educated around what to expect of neurodivergent employees, and are aware of both the modes of cognition associated with their form of neurodivergence and the supports they may need.
How can you help?
Do you know anyone with dyslexia or neurodiversity, or who you suspect may have some challenges related to reading and writing? Encourage them to seek support – check out the great advice available from The British Dyslexia Association
