Dyslexia is often associated with reading troubles, but there are other challenges many people never consider.
While this form of neurodivergence has nothing to do with intelligence — dyslexic people are just as clever as everyone else — it does pose some problems with everyday tasks that neurotypical people probably never think twice about. Here are just a few of the things that can be harder for dyslexic people, and why.
1. Remembering names or sequences
Dyslexia often affects memory for things like names, lists, or instructions. That’s because of how the brain processes and stores information. Someone with dyslexia might need extra cues, like visual or contextual reminders, to keep track of details that other people take for granted. Even simple sequences, like remembering the order of steps in a recipe, can become a frustrating puzzle.
2. Navigating new places
Directionality can be a challenge for some people with dyslexia, making it harder to navigate unfamiliar locations. Following a GPS or reading street signs might be tricky, especially if words or symbols don’t process quickly. Strategies like using landmarks, colour-coded maps, or written directions can make exploring new areas more manageable.
3. Writing by hand or typing
Source: Unsplash Writing, whether by hand or on a keyboard, can be laborious. Dyslexia can affect spelling, sentence structure, and even remembering how to form certain letters. Writing tasks that require precision, like filling out forms or writing an essay, might take significantly longer. It’s why many people with dyslexia prefer verbal communication to avoid the frustration of written errors.
4. Filling out forms
Source: Unsplash Forms with lots of small text or instructions can be overwhelming. Matching information to specific fields while juggling unfamiliar terminology can make even simple paperwork feel daunting. This becomes particularly tough when forms are time-sensitive, adding extra pressure. Breaking it into smaller steps or having someone assist can ease the burden.
5. Managing time and schedules
Dyslexia can make it harder to interpret numbers or remember sequences, which can translate to challenges with time management. Reading clocks, remembering appointments, or sticking to a strict schedule may require additional tools, like alarms, planners, or digital reminders. Even understanding the fine details of a calendar can feel like decoding a complex message.
6. Learning new languages
Decoding and learning the rules of a new language can be especially difficult for people with dyslexia. Grammar, vocabulary, and spelling in another language often rely on skills that are already challenging in their first language. Many dyslexic learners succeed with immersive, conversation-based methods or visual aids rather than traditional textbook approaches.
7. Reading aloud
Reading aloud can feel like a high-pressure task for someone with dyslexia. Misreading words or struggling to keep pace can be embarrassing, especially in public settings. The stress can make an already challenging activity feel even more daunting. People with dyslexia often excel when given time to prepare or when using tools like text-to-speech apps to support them.
8. Taking notes in real time
In situations like meetings or lectures, writing notes while trying to process information can feel nearly impossible. Dyslexia makes it harder to summarise ideas quickly while also organising them in a readable way. Recording discussions or using voice-to-text tools can make note-taking more manageable and help avoid the stress of missing key details.
9. Interpreting charts and graphs
Visual information like charts, graphs, or diagrams can be confusing, especially if they’re paired with dense text or complex labels. The combination of processing visual and written information can feel overwhelming. Breaking these visuals into smaller, digestible pieces or having someone explain them step by step can make understanding easier.
10. Following multistep directions
“Go to the third door on the left, then take the lift to the fifth floor, and turn right at the vending machine.” Instructions like these can feel overwhelming, as holding onto multiple steps at once can be difficult. Writing things down or asking for simpler directions can make these situations easier to navigate. Even adding visuals to instructions can help reduce the cognitive load.
11. Completing timed tasks
When time pressure is added, tasks that might already be challenging become even harder. Processing written instructions or performing a series of steps can take longer for someone with dyslexia, and feeling rushed can increase frustration. Providing extra time or breaking the task into stages can make a big difference, whether it’s an exam, a work task, or a daily chore.
12. Decoding numbers
Dyslexia doesn’t just affect letters — it can also make working with numbers harder. Reading and interpreting phone numbers, mathematical equations, or financial data can feel like trying to crack a code. Visual aids, calculators, and apps can make working with numbers less stressful. Even something as simple as reading a receipt can be a frustrating experience without the right tools.
13. Spelling unfamiliar words
While spelling challenges are well-known, they’re particularly tricky with unfamiliar or technical terms. Someone with dyslexia may know what they want to say but struggle to get it down in writing. Autocorrect tools, voice typing, or phonetic spelling strategies can help bridge the gap, making communication smoother and less stressful.
14. Proofreading and editing
Finding and correcting errors in writing can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack for someone with dyslexia. Words may blur together or be misinterpreted, making it hard to catch mistakes. Tools like grammar-checking software, text-to-speech programs, or having a trusted friend review text can be invaluable when proofreading feels overwhelming.
15. Keeping track of conversations
In fast-paced discussions, following along and remembering key points can be challenging. Dyslexia can affect processing speed, so it’s easy to miss details or feel left behind. Asking clarifying questions, summarising key points out loud, or recording important conversations can help ensure no vital information is lost. People with dyslexia often excel in active listening, which can balance out this challenge.
