7. Dyslexia in adults.

A checklist for adults.

Site contents.

7. Dyslexia in adults.

The diagnosis of dyslexia has been a hit-and-miss affair in the past. There are many adults with dyslexia who read and write far less well than they should. They probably feel disappointed and inadequate and may blame themselves unnecessarily.

It is important to stress that it is never too late to get help. The first thing is to identify the problem.

A checklist for adults.

Answer 'yes' or 'no' to each question.

• Do you find it hard to follow a detailed discussion?
  
  
• Do you take much longer than most people to read a page in a book?
  
  
• Do you find it hard to work out sums in your head?
  
  
• Do you find it hard to get started on any written work?
  
  
• Is your spelling poor?
  
  
• When you have to say a long word, do you frequently find it difficult to get the sounds in the right order?
  
  
• Do you find it more difficult to fill in forms than others do?
  
  
• Do you frequently mix up bus numbers like 85 and 58?
  
  
• When you use the telephone, do you often make
  mistakes in dialling?
  
  
• Do you have more difficulty than others in taking and passing on phone messages?
  
  
• Do you frequently mix up dates and times and miss appointments?

If you answer 'yes' to many of these questions, and in particular those to do with reading and spelling, you may be dyslexic. You may feel angry that this wasn't recognised before or relieved that your difficulties may be linked to an identified condition and are not your fault.

If you wish to seek further advice, you can contact the Adult Dyslexia Centre, the Adult Dyslexia Organisation or the British Dyslexia Association.

If you are studying in further or higher education, or thinking of studying, your college or university should have a learning support team which can help you. A national working party has published extensive guidelines, Dyslexia in Higher Education. These are available from the University of Hull.

Contents of this site.

1. Introduction.

2. What is dyslexia?

3. Who is dyslexic?

4. Scientific findings.

5. Dyslexia and the education system.

6. How to recognise dyslexia in children.

7. Dyslexia in adults.

8. How to help.

9. External tests and examinations.

10. The way forward.

11. Finding out more.

12. Credits.