How to Study with Dyslexia – A Comprehensive Guide

Do you suspect you have dyslexia, or have you been diagnosed with it?

You are not alone.

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 people globally, impacting their ability to read, write, and spell.

Despite the challenges, many people with dyslexia have achieved great success. Historical figures like George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo Da Vinci are thought to have suffered from this disorder.

While statistics reveal a 62% high school dropout rate for students with reading difficulties, dyslexia doesn’t equate to a lack of intelligence or potential. With appropriate tools and strategies, academic success is attainable. In this article, we’ll offer practical advice and techniques for studying with dyslexia, empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

🔤 What Exactly Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in accurate and fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling. Its exact causes remain uncertain.

But:

Research suggests that specific inherited genes can increase the likelihood of developing dyslexia. Additional factors, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and exposure to certain substances during pregnancy, can also increase it.

While the precise causes of dyslexia are not fully understood, MRI studies have identified links between dyslexia and brain structure. Reading is a complex task, requiring several cognitive processes to associate letters with words and their meanings.

For those with dyslexia, the brain develops and functions in a way that makes processing written language particularly challenging.

Typically, the disorder is identified in elementary school during a child’s early literacy development.

In the academic setting, children with dyslexia may struggle to:

• Learn new words
• Recall symbols for specific sounds
• Understand grammar and syntax

These challenges can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and inadequacy compared to their peers.

However:

It’s crucial to understand that dyslexia isn’t linked to intelligence. While intelligence encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities, dyslexia specifically impacts reading and language processing, not overall cognitive ability.

📝 Signs & Symptoms of Dyslexia

Typically, dyslexia is diagnosed in childhood when a child starts learning to read and write.

However:

It can sometimes go unidentified until adulthood. Many individuals grapple with reading and spelling challenges throughout their lives without understanding the root of their struggles.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, renowned actress Jennifer Aniston revealed that she was diagnosed with dyslexia in her early 20s. Growing up, she grappled with the condition, mistakenly believing she just wasn’t intelligent. She recalls that while reading, her eyes would skip ahead four words and then backtrack two.

Aniston exemplifies that dyslexia does not have to hinder someone’s success or aspirations. Her journey underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention. Early support can provide solace and greatly enhance an individual’s ability to navigate dyslexia.

Let’s examine the primary symptoms that can help identify the disorder at various ages.

Signs of Dyslexia in Preschoolers

• Delayed speech
• Slow vocabulary acquisition
• Difficulty forming words and confusion with similar-sounding words
• Difficulty remembering letters and numbers
• Challenges with memorizing nursery rhymes and participating in rhyming games

Signs of Dyslexia in Schoolchildren

• Difficulty processing and understanding spoken words
• Challenges in choosing words and expressing thoughts
• Trouble recalling sequences
• Difficulty distinguishing between similar letters and words
• Struggles with pronouncing unfamiliar words based on their phonetic patterns
• Spelling challenges
• Taking longer than usual for reading or writing tasks
• Avoidance of reading activities

Signs of Dyslexia in Teens and Adults

• Difficulty with reading, including reading aloud
• Reading and writing at a slower pace
• Struggling with pronouncing names or words
• Taking longer than usual for reading and writing tasks
• Challenges summarizing stories
• Difficulty learning a foreign language
• Trouble solving math word problems

💝 Dyslexia and Giftedness

Despite dyslexia being classified as a learning disability, numerous distinguished individuals, including esteemed scientists, tech leaders, and inventors, have faced it. A prime example is Bill Gates.

Interestingly, research indicates that individuals with dyslexia have certain cognitive strengths.

For example:

They might have superior spatial navigation and a knack for seeing the bigger picture, both literally and figuratively.

You might wonder what causes this paradox. Several theories exist. One suggests that dyslexia activates regions in the right prefrontal cortex of the brain. These areas assist individuals in detecting anomalies or when something seems off. Research highlighted in Scientific America proposes that everyone is born with a sensitivity to “things out of place,” but this ability diminishes as we learn to read. Another theory posits that the strengths associated with dyslexia are adaptations the brain develops to counterbalance challenges in reading and writing.

In the next section, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing cognitive advantages linked to dyslexia.

Visual-Spatial Talents

Simply put, visual-spatial ability allows individuals to process and manipulate visual information in their minds. This includes mentally rotating objects, interpreting maps, and visualizing how components fit together.

An experiment showed that dyslexia is associated with a distinct visual-spatial skill: processing information holistically rather than in segments.

To put it simply:

Those with dyslexia excel in tasks that require visual thinking, like solving puzzles and creating art. This suggests they can identify and recall intricate patterns more quickly than others.

Enhanced Peripheral Vision

A study in The New England Journal of Medicine discovered that individuals with dyslexia can distribute their attention more broadly than typical readers. This suggests they are able to absorb a wider range of information simultaneously rather than focusing on a single aspect.

For example:

When reading, those with dyslexia can simultaneously process the words, images, and text. This broader distribution of attention can be beneficial in many ways, allowing them to notice details others might overlook or to identify connections between seemingly unrelated information.

The Ability to See the Big Picture

People with dyslexia have a distinct ability to think creatively, connect ideas, and recognize patterns that others might overlook. Their holistic approach to problem-solving allows them to visualize complex concepts, a crucial skill in the entrepreneurial world.

A study identified a higher prevalence of dyslexia among entrepreneurs compared to corporate management or the general population.

The findings indicate that the strengths associated with dyslexia, such as innovation, creativity, remarkable resilience, and determination, can lead to significant achievements in the business realm.

🪢 Possible Difficulties & Related Conditions

Dyslexia frequently coexists with other disorders, such as:

ADHD	A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties. For more insights on studying with ADHD, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Dysgraphia	A learning disorder impacting writing ability.
Dyscalculia	A learning disability related to mathematical skills.

Moreover:

One of the key challenges for individuals with dyslexia is the increased risk of anxiety disorders.

Dyslexia can make it challenging to:

• Keep pace with classroom activities
• Meet deadlines
• Match peer performance

As a result, students with dyslexia often feel self-conscious about their struggles, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a fear of failure.

Our advice to students with dyslexia is:

1. Recognize and accept the challenges this condition presents; understanding your diagnosis is essential for navigating its associated difficulties.
2. Don’t hesitate to let your professors know about your dyslexia. This will enable them to adapt their teaching methods, allow additional time for assignments and exams, and suggest alternative learning approaches.
3. Remember, dyslexia does not define you; with the right mindset and support, you can achieve all your goals.

📘 Study Tips for Dyslexic Students

Educational professionals and students shared their dyslexia strategies with us. We’ve compiled 7 categories of study tips specifically for dyslexic adults to aid in your success.

1. Motivation

Motivation is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook on your studies and boosting self-confidence. Here are tips to keep you inspired regardless of challenges.

Get Inspired by Success Stories

Many famous individuals with dyslexia, such as John Lennon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Oliver, and Tom Cruise, have thrived in their careers. Some were diagnosed as adults and faced many challenges in their early years. Exploring their biographies or documentaries can offer motivation during tough times.

Set Realistic Goals

Consider setting SMART goals to focus your efforts, monitor progress, and achieve success. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

For example, instead of saying, “I need to read better,” consider framing it as a SMART goal for better results.

Specific	I will practice reading for 20 minutes daily to improve fluency.
Measurable	I will track my progress by recording my word-per-minute rate.
Achievable	I will use reading strategies recommended by my teacher.
Relevant	Faster reading will give me more time during the final exam.
Time-bound	I aim to improve my reading by the semester’s end for the final exam.

Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones keeps you motivated. Celebrating small victories boosts your confidence and promotes perseverance. Remember that rewards don’t always need to be monetary; enjoy activities you love as a treat.

2. Organization

Organizing your study routine is crucial to reduce distractions and conserve energy, allowing those with dyslexia to focus on their goals. Below are some practical organizational strategies to enhance your productivity.

Organize Your Study Space

Let’s start with practical tips to organize your study space:

1. Separate your study area from the rest of your room to reduce distractions.
2. Keep essential study tools in one spot and avoid moving them.
3. Place a planner or calendar above your desk to track deadlines.
4. Use color-coded folders for each subject for easy organization.
5. Consider using dividers in your notes to separate units for quick reference.
6. Set up electronic folders and subfolders on your computer for various topics, assignments, or modules.
7. Back up your files using memory sticks, cloud storage, or email.

Create a Schedule

You can benefit greatly from a carefully scheduled week to manage your time and reduce stress. Use a paper planner or phone calendar to track study sessions and assignments. Checking your planner regularly helps you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Last but not least:

Remember to schedule regular breaks. Setting reminders and using sticky notes for important details can be helpful.

Get Focused

To maintain focus, use multisensory learning strategies. This involves activities like writing, highlighting, discussing, or making mind maps.

It’s also crucial to minimize distractions in your study environment. Consider turning off the TV or setting your phone to silent. By eliminating distractions, you avoid getting sidetracked.

While having a consistent study spot is helpful, some students may prefer to change their locations from time to time. Just make sure the chosen place is quiet and conducive to studying.

3. Note-taking

As previously discussed, individuals with dyslexia often have strong visual-spatial abilities.

Research also indicates that dyslexia boosts the brain’s visual memory as a compensatory mechanism.

Given these strengths, we suggest exploring two unconventional note-taking techniques to enhance your academic success.

Try Mind Maps

Consider these three visual and multisensory note-taking methods:

Mind Maps	Mind maps are visual diagrams that organize information around a central idea, branching into related ideas and subtopics. They utilize colors, symbols, and images for enhanced memorability.
Concept maps	These are like mind maps, but they emphasize the relationships between ideas. They use lines, arrows, and labels to illustrate connections.
Flowcharts	These are diagrams detailing the sequential steps of a task or activity, often incorporating feedback loops for added ideas or questions.

We recommend checking out this article about the above-mentioned techniques for more information.

Use Sketchnoting

Sketchnoting is a visual technique combining handwritten notes with doodles and other visuals. It enables you to process information using visual strengths instead of relying solely on reading and writing. Using colored pencils can enhance the visual impact.

Sketchnoting takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if your initial attempts aren’t perfect. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this guide on sketchnoting.

4. Writing

Dysgraphia and dyslexia are distinct disorders, but research indicated shared causes. While dysgraphia primarily impacts writing abilities, making coherent text production difficult, dyslexia can affect reading comprehension, complicating the gathering of information for writing.

Notably, another study reveals a high co-occurrence between dyslexia and dysgraphia. Many individuals with dyslexia also face dysgraphia challenges, and vice versa.

Consider these writing tips:

• Analyze and understand the topic before starting to write. Focus on a specific question rather than covering everything you know.
• Engage in brainstorming. Jot down all ideas that come to mind on a piece of paper and identify connections between them.
• Develop a clear outline to guide your essay’s structure. Using essay templates can make this process easier.
• Take regular breaks. Writing can be taxing, and resting can help improve your focus and productivity.
• Review your work. Proofread multiple times for spelling, coherence, and topic relevance.

5. Reading

Reading is a primary challenge for individuals with dyslexia.

However:

With the right strategies and support, reading skills can improve. It is important to be patient and not overly concerned about the progress. With dedication and tips tailored for dyslexic readers, anyone can significantly improve their reading abilities.

For those who have never struggled with reading but wish to understand the experience, consider trying the Harvard University Dyslexia Simulator.

Here are some helpful reading tips for students with dyslexia:

1. Dedicate 20 minutes daily to reading. Choose materials that interest you, such as books, newspapers, or magazines.
2. Use a ruler to guide your eyes through the text, helping maintain focus. Keep a pen or highlighter nearby to mark important points or make notes.
3. Vocalize words as you read silently to minimize reading errors. This technique helps you both see and hear the words on the page, which is particularly beneficial during exams.

Use SQ3R Method

One effective method for improving reading comprehension is known as the SQ3R technique.

Here’s a breakdown of each step:

Survey	Begin by skimming the material. Look at headings, subheadings, chapter summaries, and any visual elements like graphs or illustrations.
Question	Based on what you’ve surveyed, create questions from the headings and subheadings. Formulating questions activates your curiosity and primes your mind to actively search for answers while reading.
Read	Now, read the text actively and thoroughly. While reading, focus on the main ideas, supporting details, and answers to your questions.
Recite	After each section or chapter, pause and recall the key details without looking at the text. Summarize in your own words, either verbally or in writing.
Review	After finishing the reading assignment, review your notes, summaries, and any highlighted material. This step reinforces the information in your memory.

6. Learning

Working memory refers to the cognitive ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind while actively performing mental tasks. It plays a crucial role in learning, problem-solving, and concentration.

Working memory has 2 components:

• A phonological loop for storing verbal information
• A visuospatial “sketchpad” for storing visual and spatial data

While dyslexia may affect the phonological loop, the visuospatial functions often remain intact. Thus, for students with dyslexia aiming to improve their working memory, visualizing the information they need to learn can be beneficial.

If you want to learn more about the connection between working memory and dyslexia, check out this article on the topic.

Stimulate Your Memory

So, what dyslexia memory techniques are the most effective?

Visual cues	Incorporate colors, tables, diagrams, and images to help remember details.
Color-coding	Assign different colors to categories or key points to improve organization and recall.
Flashcards	Make flashcards to quiz yourself on key facts or concepts. These can be hand-made or created on platforms like StudyStack, Quizlet, and Canva.
Mnemonics	Develop mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or rhymes, to help remember information.

7. Preparing for Exams

A recent study showed that students with dyslexia often face higher exam anxiety than their peers. This anxiety stems from concerns about their performance, time constraints, and the fear of making mistakes.

Luckily:

Thorough preparation can help alleviate this anxiety. Focused revision can identify areas that require extra attention and develop confidence in your understanding of the material.

Have a look at these valuable revision tips:

1. Figure out what will be on the exam. Ask your teachers about what to expect.
2. Make a comprehensive checklist for each subject. As you study, check off completed topics to track your progress.
3. Set up a revision schedule. Make sure you distribute your study time evenly to address all the subjects throughout the week.
4. Familiarize yourself with past exams to understand question formats. Practice answering them for familiarity.
5. Wake up early on exam days to review the material again, keeping it fresh in your mind.

🌐 Valuable Resources for Students with Dyslexia

As a bonus, we compiled some great resources for students with dyslexia. We hope you will find them helpful.

Arije-Aike de Haas’ Channel

Arije-Aike de Haas’ YouTube channel is an invaluable resource for students with dyslexia. Being dyslexic, Arije-Aike offers personal insights, practical advice, and techniques to navigate educational and daily challenges. The channel provides insightful content tailored to support and empower students with dyslexia on their academic journey.

Davis Dyslexia Association Blog

The Davis Dyslexia Association International Blog stems from an educational organization rooted in Ronald Davis’s approach. Ronald D. Davis made a breakthrough discovery that helped him overcome his own dyslexia at the age of 38. With informative articles and practical strategies, this blog offers support and guidance. It helps students recognize their learning differences and gain inspiration from success stories.

Dyslexia Help Center of UMich

A collection of books by the Dyslexia Help Center of UMich offers a wide range of books specifically addressing dyslexia, providing helpful information, strategies, and personal stories. Each book includes an annotation to assist in deciding whether to read it. Some of our favorites are “Bigger Than Me: How a Boy Conquered Dyslexia to Play with the NFL” by Jovan Haye and “Academic Success Strategies for Adolescents with Learning Disabilities & ADHD” by Esther H. Minskoff & David Allsopp.

Dyslexic Advantage

Dyslexic Advantage is a platform for dyslexic individuals to connect, learn, and harness the strengths associated with dyslexia. Through articles, interviews, and resources, it fosters understanding and self-advocacy, providing practical strategies to enhance learning and embrace the unique abilities of dyslexic students.

Canva

Canva.com is a free design platform that offers a wide range of templates, fonts, and graphics. It can be especially helpful for students with dyslexia in creating visually engaging flashcards that enhance memory retention. By incorporating images, colors, and customizing the layout, you can enrich your learning experience and enhance your ability to recall information. Canva.com offers numerous free tools that you can explore while crafting your flashcards.

MindMup

MindMup.com is a powerful mind-mapping tool that can be of great assistance to students with dyslexia. It enables users to visually organize their thoughts, ideas, and concepts, facilitating improved understanding and comprehension. With its intuitive interface and visual hierarchy, MindMup allows you to structure your ideas in a personalized manner that aligns with your learning requirements.

Thank you for reading this article!

In conclusion, studying with dyslexia may indeed pose unique challenges, but it should never limit your potential. If you have found this article helpful, we encourage you to share it with your friends or on social media so that others can also benefit from these valuable strategies.

🔗 References

1. Dyslexia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
2. Signs of Dyslexia
3. Understanding Dyslexia and How to Help Kids Who Have It
4. Ten ways to support learners with dyslexia
5. Teaching Strategies for Students with Dyslexia
6. How to Study with Dyslexia