Dyslexia and Neurodiversity – Making Reading Easier for Everyone

Many people in the UK, as well as worldwide, struggle with reading. This is not about intelligence; it’s about how books are written and designed for diverse readers. Supporting neurodiversity means making reading accessible for everyone.

Some adults have learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, or ADHD. For these readers, many books are too difficult to enjoy. Discover reading strategies for individuals with dyslexia.

Did you know the average reading age for adults in the UK is about nine? That is like a Year 4 pupil. Yet, most adult books are written at a much higher reading level.¹

Why Reading Can Be Hard for People with Learning Differences

Understanding Neurodiversity and Reading Challenges

People with neurodiverse learning profiles often struggle with text that is too dense, long, or visually overwhelming. Reading should be a pleasure, not a struggle.

Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, ADHD – What They Mean for Readers

Each learning difference affects reading in different ways:

• Dyslexia – difficulty decoding words and letters
• Dyscalculia – challenges with numbers that sometimes affect reading comprehension
• Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing, spelling, and text organisation
• ADHD – challenges with focus and maintaining attention

Supporting these readers means creating content that is clear, structured, and easy to digest. Explore more about supporting neurodiverse readers.

Inclusive Publishing – How Some Publishers Are Changing

In 2024, Bloomsbury Publishing began making books easier to read for people with dyslexia and visual stress. These changes include:

• Easy-to-read fonts
• Cream-coloured paper (reduces glare)
• Blue text (helps with visual stress)

These adjustments make reading more enjoyable and accessible. The books were so popular that Bloomsbury added more titles in 2025, including:

• Just Kids by Patti Smith
• I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee
• Collide by Bal Khabra

Bloomsbury’s Accessibility Manager

Elizabeth Kellingley, Bloomsbury’s Accessibility Manager, said:
“As a disabled person, I know how important it is to have adaptations. Everyone should be able to read and enjoy books.”

Check out our recommended accessible books for readers of all abilities.

Why Simple Writing Supports Neurodiverse Readers

Approximately one in seven adults in England reads at the same level as a 9–to 11-year-old. Writing simply does not “dumb down” information; it makes content clear, quick, and easy to understand. Even highly educated readers appreciate text that is readable and engaging.

Tips for easier reading for everyone, including those with dyslexia or other learning differences:

• Keep sentences short
• Explain difficult words
• Use clear words and active voice
• Leave space on the page
• Use headings and bullet points²

Final Thoughts – Reading Should Be Fun for Everyone

Everyone deserves to enjoy books. Reading should be for pleasure, not pressure. Publishers and authors can help by creating stories that are easy to read for people with dyslexia and other learning differences. Supporting neurodiversity in reading ensures that everyone can experience the joy of a good book.

¹What do adult literacy levels mean? | National Literacy Trust
² Apologies, not available at the moment.

 Maria Chivers
31st October 2025