Dyslexia and work

J_i_m

Here's a diagram which shows the general characteristics of neuro diversity.



As you can see many of these conditions overlap, hence the difficulty of diagnosing and the result of many dual diagnoses.

The important thing to remember is this is not related to intelligence. Think of it it as a different perspective. And a different perspective can be valuable.

tomterm8

morganedge wrote: »

I never knew that dyslexia affected speech.
Is that a fact? Is there a definite test for dyslexia?
I wonder if I have it. I can't say certain words, and I sometimes fail to start a sentence, and then it all suddenly comes out at once at a million miles per hour and I can't be understood. Frustrated me for the last 20 years...

These days, most experts don't really recognize "dyslexia" as the main term and instead use the phrase "specific learning difficulties" because dyslexia covers a huge range of different abilities, symptoms, causes and treatment practices.

Verbal difficulties can indeed be part of the mix.

Generally, specific learning difficulties are assessed through a large battery of tests by an expert. It's not the kind of thing that you can really self-diagnose.

kittieworld

J_i_m wrote: »

Here's a diagram which shows the general characteristics of neuro diversity.



As you can see many of these conditions overlap, hence the difficulty of diagnosing and the result of many dual diagnoses.

The important thing to remember is this is not related to intelligence. Think of it it as a different perspective. And a different perspective can be valuable.

thanks very cool

nightingalesgarden

Hello, I share your frustration...and feel for you.

Here's the good news - there are lots of people in the same situation as you. All with wonderful skills and abilities (often better skills than most!) but also with a missing "bit" that they worry about, probably without reason.

The trick is to stop worrying about the missing "bit" and find honest workarounds.

Mr Nightingale has a 1st, a couple of Masters and a PHD - but he can't ride a bike and took 9 attempts to pass his driving test (and he still doesn't really drive).

I on the other hand, took 4 attempts at my driving test (can't tell my left from my right) but after passing took learnt how to overcome difficulties (even on roundabouts - only drove the wrong way round once!) once I relaxed it was okay.

I'm never going to be good at spelling or grammar and I mix words up but I've got a good job. How? Working hard so I got to a role where there is more management than data accuracy in the role.

Did I get pulled up on issues such as data accuracy when I was in more junior positions - yes! But luckily I was good at other stuff so when I explained this was understood. People recognise hard work and dedication first.

Good luck!

J_i_m

nightingalesgarden wrote: »

All with wonderful skills and abilities (often better skills than most!) but also with a missing "bit" that they worry about, probably without reason.

There's a lot truth in that.

Having one of these differences very often gives you a different perspective on things. In some cases this can be a very useful for problem solving if you spot things which most other people would miss.

But it's still difficult. People in general are not good at looking past their own perception on reality and as result aren't very tolerant of people who differ substantially from others.

If you're someone with a learning difference then it can really affect your confidence in all areas. And this does impact on all parts of your life.

It can also limits the opportunities you get especially since employers are risk adverse. Even if they aren't directly discriminating against you, or knowingly writing you off for a learning difference or weakness, they'll still pick up on low confidence.