Support For Adults

Dyslexia can affect anyone of any age

It is estimated that 10% of people over 16 in the UK alone have dyslexia to some degree. Many adults don’t know that their difficulties may be the result of dyslexia or their learning difficulties.

Recognising the signs Performance within the workplace is a key indicator. This might include work that is erratic, longer times taken to do certain activities, written documentation that is unexpectedly poor or seems careless, confused memos, emails or messages, deadlines regularly not being met or taking longer to learn new skills.

Other typical signs might be appearing forgetful, seeming disorganised, having low self-esteem or unduly suffering with stress and/or anxiety. These will vary with the severity of the condition and the type of role they have in the workplace.

It’s never too late to get help
Dyslexia is complex and the severity of difficulty varies from person to person. Dyslexia and literacy difficulties need not and should not be a barrier to anyone’s future. Discussions around support strategies will consider individual need; and what the dyslexic staff member feels will be beneficial.

Dyslexia Action provides individual support as well as small group support for adults, including working with the unemployed, university undergraduates, self-employed, parents and employees for workplace learning. We teach adults of all abilities by developing individual learning plans to address their specific needs.

What Next?
1. Free advice: You can discuss your problems either over the telephone or face to face with one of our experts at your nearest Dyslexia Action centre, who can then advise on the best course of action. Or you could contact Preeti Mackan – pmackan@dyslexiaaction.org.uk or Ann Lissenden – alissenden@dyslexiaaction.org.uk

2. Assessment (test): Designed for individuals who suspect that they might be dyslexic, our assessments are carried out by an independent psychologist with specialist knowledge of dyslexia or by a specially trained teacher. These initial assessments will confirm if a person is dyslexic as well as identify areas of weakness. These full diagnostic tests look at background, education, ways of thinking, learning and problem-solving techniques as well as reading, writing, spelling and maths. A comprehensive and confidential report of the results with future recommendations is then produced. You can also take our online test to help you decide whether an assessment is necessary.

3. Tuition and Support: If you are diagnosed as being dyslexic, together with the results and recommendations from your assessment, an individual teaching programme can then be put together to help support your identified issues and future needs.

Related Topics Am I dyslexic, online screener