Have you ever thought about the benefits of dyslexia? Traditionally, dyslexia has been seen as a learning disability, but recent research has revealed some surprising advantages. In this blog, I'll explore the unexpected strengths of dyslexia, from heightened creativity to stronger problem-solving skills. I will also tell you my story and the technology I use to help me.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia a few years ago. My husband was diagnosed with dyslexia in his thirties, and my son was in year one at primary school when he was diagnosed, so we are a house full of dyslexics, and we are all different.
At school, I lacked confidence, and if anyone wanted a volunteer to read, down would go my head, and I would hide behind my hair. I could have been better at reading, writing, and spelling, but I did well at school until I started my 'A' Levels. This was because of how they were taught. I am definitely a visual learner.
I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left school and seemed to fall into jobs that didn't need much writing, and I realised I was good with data and computers.
The only problem was I hated picking up the phone and taking messages. I would write down the message and need help understanding what I had written, and I would transpose numbers in the phone numbers. I would also dread it if someone volunteered me to take minutes.
When I worked in the civil service, I kept getting promoted, and I got to a stage where I had to write reports for my staff. At this stage, my manager said I would struggle to get any higher promotions because of my writing.
Yes, all my bosses commented on my writing. That is why I decided to become self-employed.
When my son was diagnosed with dyslexia in year one at primary school, it brought up all the memories from my childhood, and I could see similarities between us. I did lots of research and would constantly explain to him that being dyslexic didn't mean he was stupid and dyslexia was his supper power.
I decided to get tested for dyslexia when I struggled with some of my exams. There was much more text to read in what seemed like little time.
I was told I was dyslexic, and everything made sense. The assessor gave me the contact details for Access to Work and said they provided support for dyslexics. The application process was simple, and it took a few months for me to be assessed. They provided me with technology and training to help me in my business.
My favourite software they provided me with that I use every day is Grammarly. I have this turned on all the time.
If I am learning and listening to webinars, I love Glean. You can record the screen you are watching the webinar on and add type notes into Glean as you are watching.
To keep myself organised, I love ClickUp. I can brain dump ideas, mindmap them, and have a to-do list, use boards to keep my blogs organised from the ideas stage, work in progress and completed blogs and where I have posted them.
I always have many ideas but need help to get those ideas onto paper. Using AI really helps this stage of the writing process.
I also use Tailwind app for posting to social media. I really like the ghostwriting feature for creating text for a post or Pinterest pin.
So what are the dyslexic strengths I told my son about?
Increased Creativity
Stronger Problem-Solving Skills
Heightened Emotional Intelligence
Enhanced Visual and Spatial Abilities
Improved Memory and Pattern Recognition
Dyslexia may have been perceived as a disadvantage for a long time, but recent research studies have shown that it can come with unique advantages. Individuals with dyslexia can leverage their heightened emotional intelligence, enhanced visual and spatial abilities, improved memory and pattern recognition, stronger problem-solving skills, and increased creativity to succeed.
If you have dyslexia, embrace your strengths and explore the unique advantages that come with it. Find which technology works best for you; there is a lot out there, and remember you have a superpower.
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