Dyslexia is a common learning disability that makes it difficult to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak. It is estimated to affect around 10-15% of the population. While dyslexia can’t be cured, there are many useful coping skills and strategies that can help people with dyslexia manage their symptoms and thrive academically and in life.
What causes dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurologically-based condition that is present from birth. It is not caused by low intelligence or poor vision. Instead, dyslexia results from differences in the structure and function of the brain. People with dyslexia typically have a weakness in phonological processing – the ability to manipulate the sounds in language. This affects the ability to break words into syllables and individual sounds, match letters to sounds, blend sounds into words, and separate spoken words into sounds.
Genetics play a major role in dyslexia. A person is more likely to have dyslexia if other family members also have it. Environmental factors may also influence the severity of symptoms.
On a neurological level, researchers believe dyslexia stems from malfunctions in the language circuits of the brain. Neuroimaging studies show differences in brain activation patterns and gray and white matter volumes between dyslexic and non-dyslexic readers.
Common signs and symptoms of dyslexia
The core difficulty in dyslexia is reading, which can include:
- Slow, labored reading
- Problems sounding out unfamiliar words
- Difficulty recognizing common sight words
- Trouble decoding words using phonics
- Omitting, repeating, or substituting words when reading aloud
Dyslexia also affects writing and spelling, such as:
- Poor, inconsistent spelling
- Letter reversals or transpositions (b/d confusion)
- Omitting or duplicating letters or words
- Trouble putting ideas on paper
Some additional signs of dyslexia include:
- Difficulty learning letter names and their corresponding sounds
- Struggles learning rhyming patterns
- Problems memorizing number facts or foreign language vocabulary
- Difficulty organizing written and spoken language
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Taking longer to complete tasks
- Problems with concentration and focus
Dyslexia symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Warning signs are often first noticed when a child begins learning to read.
Common coping skills and strategies for dyslexia
While there is no complete cure for dyslexia, the following strategies and accommodations can help individuals manage their symptoms, strengthen weaknesses, and work around challenges to succeed in school and everyday activities.
Reading strategies
- Use audio books and text-to-speech software – Listening to audiobooks or using text-to-speech technology allows bypassing the mechanics of reading to focus on comprehension.
- Track with a pointer – Using a finger, pointer, or bookmark can help maintain focus when reading.
- Read in small chunks – Break reading material down into manageable sections to avoid fatigue.
- Pre-read or preview text – Skim through material like textbooks and novels to get familiar with the content before reading in-depth.
- Read aloud – Reading out loud improves focus and reinforces the connection between letters and sounds.
- Highlight or underline key points – Marking important information makes it easier to find later.
Writing and spelling strategies
- Use reference resources – Keep dictionaries, spellcheckers, grammar guides, and word banks on hand.
- Develop personal dictionaries – Make lists of frequently used or challenging words to reference.
- Allow oral responses – Give oral presentations or record responses instead of writing.
- Use visual organizers – Create idea webs and outlines to structure thoughts before writing.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts – Mastering keyboard commands can streamline typing and editing.
General learning strategies
- Ask for clarification – Don’t be afraid to speak up when instructions or concepts are unclear.
- Set small, achievable goals – Break down big tasks into manageable steps.
- Use memory aids – Make acronyms, rhymes, songs, or mental images to reinforce learning.
- Take breaks as needed – Short breaks can improve focus and relieve stress.
- Organize and label materials – Keep workbooks, notes, and handouts orderly.
- Utilize planners and reminders – Use calendars, schedules, alarms, and to-do lists to stay organized.
- Study with multi-sensory methods – Combine visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic techniques like highlighting while reciting definitions aloud.
Assistive technology for dyslexia
Specialized software, computer programs, and devices can support reading, writing, organization, and other challenges related to dyslexia. Some examples include:
- Text-to-speech software like Kurzweil 3000
- Audiobook apps like Audible
- Digital graphic organizers and outlining tools
- Smartpens for audio recording paired with note-taking
- Digital dictionaries, thesauruses, and translators
- Voice recognition dictation programs
- Screen color contrast manipulators
- Talking calculators and watches
Classroom accommodations
Teachers can make reasonable accommodations to provide an accessible learning environment for students with dyslexia, such as:
- Allowing extra time for assignments and tests
- Letting students give oral rather than written responses
- Providing copies of lecture notes or presentation slides
- Minimizing unnecessary copying from the board
- Using visual aids like charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers
- Breaking longer assignments into smaller chunks
- Providing quiet areas to work and take tests
- Allowing the use of assistive devices and spellcheckers for assessments
- Offering alternative formats like audiobooks for reading assignments
Tutoring and specialized instruction
One-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, and qualified reading specialists can provide intensive, systematic, personalized instruction tailored to a student’s deficits to improve reading, writing, and spelling skills.
Two evidence-based approaches are:
- Orton-Gillingham – Uses multi-sensory strategies to explicitly teach phonics and the structure of language.
- Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS) – Focuses on helping students identify sounds and mouth formations to improve phonemic awareness.
Dyslexia-friendly font and reading rulers
A font called OpenDyslexic optimizes the appearance of letters to increase readability for people with dyslexia. Reading rulers can help isolate lines of text. Both of these tools can reduce distractibility when reading.
Vision therapy
Some individuals with dyslexia may have co-occurring visual processing disorders impacting eye gaze control or focal issues. Orthoptic vision therapy interventions can help strengthen ocular motor control and visual processing speed.
Exercise and yoga
Increasing evidence shows physical exercise improves cognitive abilities and brain plasticity. Yoga incorporates coordination, focus, relaxation, and working memory. Adding these wellness practices to education plans may boost learning and development.
Mnemonic strategies
Mnemonic devices involve associating information with visual images, phrases, acronyms, or rhymes as memory aids. Using mnemonics to reinforce concepts, facts, and procedures can be helpful for individuals with dyslexia.
Mental health counseling
Dyslexia can negatively impact self-esteem, lead to anxiety and depression, and cause social challenges. Counseling provides an emotional outlet and teaches healthy coping mechanisms.
Parental support for children with dyslexia
Parents and families play a critical role in supporting children with dyslexia. Here are some ways parents can help:
- Get children formally evaluated early if there are concerns
- Communicate regularly with teachers
- Learn about dyslexia to better understand your child’s struggles
- Help children practice reading strategies
- Focus feedback on effort and progress, not grades
- Find engaging audiobooks and read aloud to your child
- Offer organizational help like planners and reminders
- Boost confidence by identifying strengths
- Encourage physical activity, socializing, and creative arts
- Be patient, flexible, and celebrate all achievements
Adult coping strategies for dyslexia in the workplace and daily life
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that presents ongoing challenges, even into adulthood. Here are some strategies adults with dyslexia can utilize:
Reading
- Use text-to-speech apps to listen to emails, documents, articles, books, and more
- Capture important information with digital highlighters and sticky notes
- Listen to audiobooks for pleasure reading and learning
- Enlarge font sizes on devices to reduce visual crowding
- Read short passages frequently rather than marathon reading sessions
Writing
- Use tools like Grammarly to assist with spelling, grammar, and style
- Outline ideas before writing long reports or compositions
- Stick to simple language and avoid long, complex sentences
- Ask others to proofread important communications
- Use voice recognition software to dictate writing when possible
Organization
- Use a planner or calendar to schedule appointments and deadlines
- Make to-do lists and check items off as completed
- Minimize clutter and keep work area organized
- Use color-coding to categorize files, documents, and notes
- Set phone alarms and reminders for events and tasks
Time management
- Build in extra time for tasks that require reading and writing
- Schedule activities during optimal energy and focus times
- Take breaks to refresh mental stamina
- Create routines around daily activities
- Automate and delegate tasks when possible
Assistive technology
- Use voice-to-text apps like Otter for meetings and lectures
- Try tools like Read&Write for word prediction, dictionaries, and text-to-speech
- Use tools like Evernote to organize research and thoughts
- Use digital highlighters and annotation tools
- Enable captioning, dictation, and display accommodations on devices
Workplace accommodations
Reasonable accommodations that can support adults with dyslexia in the workplace include:
- Providing written instructions and training manuals in alternate formats
- Allowing extra time for training and learning new skills
- Offering private workspaces to avoid distractions
- Providing text-to-speech software and reading devices
- Allowing oral dictation instead of written reports
- Allowing flexible work hours and breaks
- Modifying workloads during high reading and writing times
- Providing sensitivity training about dyslexia to colleagues
- Offering options for verbal testing and instruction
Mental health support
Adults with dyslexia may experience associated anxiety, depression, frustration, low self-esteem, and fatigue. Seeking mental health counseling can provide coping outlets.
Community support
Getting involved in community organizations, support groups, volunteer work, religious groups, and social clubs can help reduce isolation and build confidence and skills.
Continuing education
Enrolling in adult education classes in topics of interest or taking standalone college courses part-time can offer dyslexic learners continued growth and accomplishment in a self-paced environment.
Conclusion
While dyslexia creates unique and lifelong learning challenges, individuals have many strengths to draw upon. With persistence, personalized strategies, accommodations, and support, people with dyslexia can successfully manage symptoms, excel in school and careers, and live rich, full lives.