When we look at the term "dyslexia," many people will say it’s just about reading, while some may think it’s just about reversing letters. However, it is so much more than that.
Dyslexia often involves challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. Most people will confirm that dyslexia is a phonological difference in how we learn and retain information. It also affects how we process information and how we need to move things forward. Dyslexia is not a sign of lacking intelligence. In fact, most dyslexic people are highly determined and successful. When you understand your differences and strengths, you can definitely move forward.
For me, my dyslexia affects me in many ways. The biggest difficulty I face is spelling. Being able to recall spellings or break a word into syllables to spell it out has baffled me to this day. Reading large amounts of text, especially on paper, becomes very stressful and difficult. My handwriting, along with my spelling, doesn’t help either and can often be illegible, depending on how much time I spend on it. I frequently get words mixed up, a phenomenon known as rapid naming. For example, when trying to name something like the dishwasher, I might often call it the washing machine or even the tumble dryer.
Dyslexia can affect you in other ways as well. There is definitely a link between mental health and dyslexia. Burnout is always close because your body is under a constant level of stress and anxiety. You have to see things differently and find ways to continue and move forward. Most dyslexic people I know are very determined. For me, dyslexia can be very frustrating; it doesn’t always allow me to do things, but then it also enables me to do so many things.
The phrase "thinking outside the box" is a good one, but perhaps "thinking outside the cube" is more apt for me. This might be more linked to my ADHD tendencies. My mind can race at 190 miles an hour or slow down to just 3 miles an hour. Being able to see things, plan, solve problems, and find solutions is crucial. I never let problems get me down; I always use them to propel me forward.
I use many strategies to manage my dyslexia. The biggest one is technology, which I will discuss in more detail in another blog.
We face difficulties every day. One of the most challenging tasks for me is writing birthday cards, a mundane task for some but extremely stressful for me. Going to a shop to find a card, trying to decode what it says inside—Is it the right type of card? Is it too lovey-dovey? Is it too soppy? Is it funny or rude?—can all be very challenging.
Having a supportive network around you is crucial. Facing challenges and moving forward is what we can do. After 40 years, I have developed a working life that suits me, changing things one step at a time.