Dyslexia Adults

Dyslexia & Adults

Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), appearing as severe difficulties with literacy skills. Dyslexia can occur in children as well as adults.

These difficulties can cause severe problems with reading, writing & spelling.

There is a piece of comprehensive information for adults with dyslexia, including:

Literacy and Numeracy Software for Adults with Dyslexia. How to arrange for an Adult Dyslexia Test or Adult Dyslexia  Assessment;  Software for Adults with Dyslexia. Information for Employers & Dyslexia in the Workplace. Famous People with Dyslexia, Myths about Dyslexia & Setting up a Dyslexia Support Group.

I am updating the information on this page at the moment. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

• Tests & Assessments for Dyslexia
• Workplace Needs Assessment
• Neurodiversity in the Modern Workplace
• Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia
• Supported internship/traineeship and Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia
• Support Groups for Adults with Dyslexia

Age is no Barrier to Dyslexia Testing!

Adults with Dyslexia

Many adults with dyslexia suffer from low self-esteem, lack of confidence and fall short of their employment ability; they are often relieved to know their lack of progress is due to dyslexia. Once diagnosed, they can receive the right kind of help.

Recent research showed a high proportion of self-made millionaires are dyslexic, probably because they had the tenacity and self-belief to succeed.

Many people with dyslexia excel in areas such as:

• Architecture
• Arts
• Computer sciences
• Construction
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Entertainment
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Sports.

Workplace Needs Assessment

If you have problems at work, which you believe is related to your dyslexia, you can ask for a ‘Workplace Needs Assessment’. The Assessor will go into your workplace at a convenient time, watch you work, and take your opinions into account (and those of management, if necessary).

You will receive a comprehensive report advising any specific help required, such as Voice Recognition Software (VRS), Spell-Checker, Grammar Checker, or other specialist software.

Provided the requirements are ‘reasonable’, your employer will have to look at implementing the recommendations. Often, the company can deliver the items in question at a very reasonable price, which comes under the ‘reasonable adjustments that employers should make.

The Dyslexia Association and the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) can arrange for assessments or testing, as do other providers around the country.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Why keep struggling when support is available?

Workplace Needs Assessment

Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia

People with dyslexia or severe learning difficulties can use the Access to Work Scheme (AtW). This scheme (AtW) offers help to place people with learning difficulties (dyslexia) at work. Under this scheme (AtW), you can access training facilities to help with your dyslexia.

The Access to Work (AtW) scheme can similarly provide practical and financial support for people with dyslexia.

The amount of money you may get is dependent on your circumstances, but these monies do not have to be paid back and will not affect any other benefits.

You do not need a dyslexia assessment to use this scheme.

Access to Work (AtW) 

Neurodiversity in the Modern Workplace

The article mentioned above is an excellent article about how employers can help people in the workplace. It provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of a neurodiverse workforce and guidance on supporting neurodiverse employees.

This article has been written for the US market. However, it does fit in well with the UK workforce, and if anything, the UK is more stringent. So if you have a look and see what you think, I think it provides some helpful information that may help you at work.

Neurodiversity in the Modern Workplace.

Supported Internship/Traineeship and Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia

The Supported Internship/Traineeship and Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia cover work placements and trainees and offer excellent advice.

Helping young people on supported internships or traineeships benefit from Access to Work for the work placement element of their study programme.

Supported Internship/Traineeship and Access to Work Scheme (AtW) & Dyslexia

Support Groups for Adults with Dyslexia

Support Groups for adults with dyslexia; are an excellent way to meet other dyslexic people. This way, you can get ideas from others and get help and support from your peers.

Many groups have inspirational speakers who can talk about various issues surrounding dyslexia, coping strategies, resources etc.

You will find a list of various Adult Dyslexia Support Groups below:

London Adult Support Group
A self-help group that share experiences and learn from each other.
London Adult Support Group

Birmingham Adult Support Group (BADG)
‘Badg is self-help, a user-led dyslexic group established in the mid-1990s in Birmingham. It is probably one of the earliest and largest, longest-running adult self-help groups in Europe.’
BADG

Dyslexic by Nature
The group aim to reduce the social isolation and stigma individuals with dyslexia feel. It covers the Chorlton area of Manchester.
Dyslexia by Nature

DAN
The Dyslexia Adult Network (DAN) helps increase awareness of the impact of dyslexia and related conditions on adults.
DAN

DABBGL – (Dyslexia Association of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich & Lewisham)
The group offers opportunities to exchange positive experiences and the chance to seek practical advice from guest speakers and others within the group.
Dyslexia Association

Dyslexia Foundation
Assists adults with dyslexia across the North-West.
Dyslexia Foundation

Dyslexia Scotland Adults
With resources, advice and support – ‘make sure dyslexia doesn’t hold you back.
Dyslexia Scotland Adult

Dyslexia – Books, Pamphlets & Publications

There is quite a lot of good information for adults about dyslexia. The BDA and Dyslexia Action published some excellent books and pamphlets, which I am sure you would find helpful.

British Dyslexia Association Books & Pamphlets