Dyslexia is a permanent learning disorder which, being of genetic origin, also persists into adulthood. Some of the supportive strategies for children of developmental age may also be effective for adults, but the situation of the latter may be different. In fact, instead of having to deal with school problems, the dyslexic adult must overcome the difficulties of work, of social life and daily responsibilities.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Adjusting to the Needs of Dyslexic Adults
Step 1. Present the written information in an accessible format
Since dyslexia, like other learning disorders, is an invisible disability, you may not know that your colleagues, managers or employees are dyslexic. Good practices call for the use of accessible formats in all circumstances.
Justified text is difficult for many dyslexic adults to read, as it has white spaces of varying size between letters and words. The use of left-aligned text is recommended as it facilitates the visual orientation of the user
Step 2. Ask the person with dyslexia directly for what they need
Since dyslexia presents with different characteristics, the most useful information is that provided by the dyslexic person himself. For many dyslexics, the most difficult challenge may be reading maps, while others tend to reverse numbers and letters.
- Do not pretend to know what is best for a dyslexic adult, as they may not want your help or need it.
- Be sure to deal with the person privately and with discretion to respect their right to the confidentiality of personal information.
Step 3. Provide a list of compensatory tools
Providing him with a list of all reasonable accommodations in advance to perform some essential functions allows the dyslexic person to know what you are willing and able to do to help him in the workplace or in the classroom. In this way he can choose the alternatives that best suit his cognitive style. The most common benefits that could help him include:
- Favorable seat (ie a place from which you can see the blackboard and the teacher clearly);
- Granting of additional time;
- Text changes (i.e. having someone read the test questions aloud);
- Underlined textbooks;
- Use of computers and certain compensatory tools;
- Applications that transform digital text into audio;
- Be helped by someone who takes notes or a lab assistant
- Specific accommodations not mentioned.
- In Italy, students diagnosed with learning disabilities are entitled to benefit from specific dispensatory and compensatory measures for didactic flexibility during their education, training and university studies. However, the Italian laws in force do not protect dyslexics in the workplace. Additionally, adult assessment and diagnosis are more difficult to obtain due to the lack of specialized diagnostic services. Therefore, if you are trying to help a dyslexic adult, know that you could facilitate the performance of their activities through some compensatory tools.
Step 4. Know that the dyslexic adult may not be aware of his condition
If he was not diagnosed with the disorder in childhood, perhaps he does not know his cognitive style and therefore his functional deficit significantly interferes with the normal performance of daily activities.
- You could help him by encouraging him to investigate the nature of his disorder and the strategies to adopt to overcome his difficulties.
- If he refuses the formulation of a diagnosis and the support tools, respect his choice.
Step 5. The functional diagnosis is an act subject to the privacy protection law, so if you are an employer or a teacher, you have the obligation to protect the confidentiality of the disability of your employee or student
Parents who intend to take advantage of the compensatory and dispensatory measures for their children during all cycles of education must present a valid certification drawn up by the Medical College of Evaluation of the A. S. L. of residence.
- Due to the stigmatization associated with learning disabilities, it is important to always ensure the confidentiality of an individual's diagnosis.
- The affected individual may choose to disclose his or her disorder to other people if they so wish.
Part 2 of 4: Adapting the Paper Material for a Dyslexic Person
Step 1. Use a font that is readable for readers with dyslexia
Simple, sans-serif, and evenly spaced fonts such as Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, Geneva, Verdana, Century-Gothic, and Trebuchet are much easier to read than others. Although some prefer a larger font size, most dyslexics prefer 12-14 points.
- Avoid the use of serif fonts (such as Times New Roman), since the horizontal dash tends to obscure the shape of the letters.
- Do not use italic formatting to emphasize information, as the words would be less obvious and more difficult to read. On the contrary, emphasize the words by applying bold type.
Step 2. Try to avoid loss of visual focus
If you are a blogger, a teacher or an employer, you can make simple changes to the text, avoiding the shading or blurring of the words (ie the wash-out effect). Both ordinary and dyslexic readers would likely benefit from these changes. For example, long blocks of uninterrupted text are not easy for most people to read, but they are practically incomprehensible to dyslexic readers. Write short paragraphs, limiting yourself to expressing a single idea in each paragraph.
- You could also use headings or subtitles to summarize the content of each paragraph.
- Avoid the white background, as it can make the text more difficult to read.
- Dark colored text on a light colored background is easier to read. Avoid green, red and pink fonts, as they may be difficult for most dyslexics to understand and read.
Step 3. Choose a card that does not involve reading difficulties
Make sure it is thick enough not to show what is written on the back of the paper. Use matte paper instead of glossy, as this can reflect light and strain your eyes.
- Avoid digital copies, which are sometimes more reflective.
- Try different colored papers to find the shade that the dyslexic person can read more easily.
Step 4. Provide clear written directions
Avoid overly detailed explanations. Write short sentences, using a straightforward style and don't dwell on it. Try not to use acronyms or too technical language.
- Where possible, insert graphs, images and organization charts.
- Use bulleted or numbered lists instead of thick paragraphs.
Part 3 of 4: Leveraging Technology
Step 1. Use speech-to-text software (which converts speech into text)
It may be easier for a dyslexic adult to speak than to write. For those who find it difficult to find the right words, who have poor graph-motor fluency or problems in structuring a linear speech, the use of a speech recognition program could be useful.
- Some examples of these software are Dragon Naturally Speaking and Dragon Dictate.
- Thanks to these software you can dictate e-mails, create texts or surf the internet using voice commands.
Step 2. Use the text-to-speech function (which converts text to an audio file)
Many e-book readers (e-readers) now have the text-to-speech function and support audio books, and several publishers include the text-to-speech option in the sale of digital books. The best digital platforms that support text-to-speech features are the Kindle Fire HDX, the iPad, and Nexus 7.
- The Kindle Fire HDX has an application called Immersion Reading, which allows reading aloud while, at the same time, the words of the text are highlighted on the screen in real time.
- The Nexus 7 allows customization for different users, so you can share your tablet with other family members.
Step 3. Get familiar with the apps
There is a wide range of apps that could be of support to dyslexic learners of any age. There are text-to-speech apps, such as Blio, Read2Go, Prizmo, Speak It! Text to Speech, and Talk to Me. Flipboard and Dragon Go are excellent tools based on speech recognition, which allow the user to bypass the problem of printed text.
Digital diaries like Textminder or VoCal XL allow you to create reminders for deadlines, courses, appointments and much more
Part 4 of 4: Knowing Dyslexia Better
Step 1. One of the characteristics of dyslexia is the incorrect processing of information
The main complaint in dyslexic adults depends on the way the brain processes data. The most obvious consequence is the difficulty of understanding and reading the texts. As almost all of us learn to read as children, dyslexia is often diagnosed in school age.
- Auditory processing may also be impaired and people with dyslexia often cannot process spoken language automatically.
- Sometimes the processing of spoken language takes longer.
- The language could be interpreted literally, meaning that dyslexic people often fail to grasp the sarcastic or joking tone of certain statements.
Step 2. Dyslexics also often have memory difficulties
In fact they have short-term memory deficiencies and may not remember facts, events, programs, etc. Working memory, which allows the storage of information useful to perform a certain task, for example taking notes during a conference, is often compromised.
- Some dyslexic subjects may make mistakes even in remembering the age of their children.
- The dyslexic adult is frequently unable to remember information if it is not accompanied by additional notes.
Step 3. Notice the communication difficulties
A person with dyslexia may not be able to find the right words or write down their ideas. Misunderstanding of verbal information is common and communication can become difficult in the absence of adequate understanding.
- The volume or tone of voice of a dyslexic person may be higher or lower than that of many other people.
- Sometimes there are speech problems or pronunciation errors.
Step 4. Dyslexia involves a learning delay
Learning to read is usually difficult for a dyslexic person and even in adulthood they may be illiterate, despite not having intellectual deficits. When he learns to read he often continues to make spelling mistakes.
- Understanding and reading the texts may be slower for a dyslexic adult.
- Technical terminology and acronyms sometimes present a significant challenge. Whenever possible, use simpler words, pictures, or other visual aids to facilitate understanding.
Step 5. Know that sensory functions are impaired in autistic individuals
They may develop hypersensitivity to environmental noises and visual stimuli and consequently not be able to discard unnecessary information to focus on the most important ones.
- Dyslexia may interfere with the ability to concentrate, so the dyslexic person often seems distracted.
- It is usually disturbed by background noises or movements. Providing distraction-free workspaces can help the dyslexic person focus better.
Step 6. Dyslexia is often accompanied by visual stress syndrome
This disturbance, which occurs during reading, compromises the perception of the text that appears distorted and with the letters blurred or unstable, as if in motion.
- The use of different colors of ink or different shades of paper can help reduce visual stress. For example, you could use cream or pastel colored paper.
- Consider changing the background color of your PC screen to promote greater visual accessibility.
- The ink color could compromise the dyslexic person's ability to read the text. For example, the use of the red marker on a white board makes reading almost impossible.
Step 7. Know that stress contributes to many dyslexia disorders
Some research has shown that people with certain learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, are more sensitive to stress than ordinary learners. In particularly stressful situations, the deficits may become more pronounced.
- This trend causes a reduction in self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Learning strategies for coping with stress can be helpful.
Step 8. Learn to appreciate the strengths associated with dyslexia
People with dyslexia are often more adept at memorizing information in pictures and solving problems. They may be able to understand how objects work very easily.
- They are often endowed with visuospatial skills.
- Dyslexic adults may be more creative and curious and have a tendency to think outside the box.
- If a project captures their interest, they demonstrate a greater ability to concentrate at work than other people.
Advice
- If you suffer from dyslexia, you may want to ask your employer to use compensatory tools to help you carry out your work activities.
- You are not required to report your condition on your CV or job applications.
