The most common activities affected by the dyslexic difference are reading, writing, spelling and numeracy, and these are those that people most readily associate with the term dyslexia. However there are other factors that may cause a problem. For some who have developed strategies for literacy, these other differences are what affect their daily lives and aspirations.


Possible Difficulties.

· Reading.

· Writing.

· Problems with spelling.

· Problems with numeracy.

· Directional and/or sequencing confusion.

· Poor short term memory.

· Organisation problems.

· Poor self image.

· Lack of concentration.

· Difference in thinking style.

· Slow processing.

· Visual differences, like sensitivity to glare.

· Auditory differences.

· Poor spatial awareness.

· Co-ordination difficulties.

Solutions to the underlying differences and difficulties that affect the lives of individuals with dyslexia are achievable with understanding of the condition.


Potential Strengths.

· Creativity - art, design, writing and drama.

· Often good at oral communication skills and mediation.

· Abilities in sport or dance.

· Care and empathy. Many dyslexics make excellent nurses, social workers and carers.

· Originality of thought. Often good as trouble shooters in business.

· Good visual spatial skills. There are many architects who have dyslexia.

· Often big picture thinkers or lateral thinkers.

· Understanding of the working of machinery, computers, circuitry etc.

People with dyslexia often have excellent communication skills and a caring, empathic disposition. Some have high visual spatial awareness, good understanding of the workings of machinery, computers, circuitry, etc. Some are innovative, good trouble-shooters, creative and lateral thinkers communicators and mediators. People with dyslexia can be a great asset to an organisation; many are extremely successful in business. See the links page for more .

"Many times in business, different is better than better.
We dyslexics do different without blinking an eye."

Bill Samuels Jr. in Fortune Magazine May 2002.

You may think that the description above matches you, or someone you are close to. You can try our to see if that helps to clarify your thoughts. You should look at the section on which describes the steps you might follow to confirm suspicions.

If you already have an assessment it may be you are concerned about telling others - see the section on for why this could be a good step.

For sources of more information on dyslexia see our and .