Diagnosed as dyslexic at 26, I was completing my PGCE training, to become a secondary school Teacher. I had my first teaching job lined up, all I needed was to complete my QTS, 3 ‘simple’ tests in IT, Maths and English. However these tests were timed, I barely had time to read each question and it was gone from the screen. Resulting in me repeatedly failing these exams. It became a bit of a joke with friends and the staff at the test centre as I returned for the millionth time. Until a member of staff asked, ‘Have you ever been tested for Dyslexia?’ No, I answered. Why?

The clear sense of failure and embarrassment amongst my peers was a familiar feeling from my school days..My coping strategy? Avoid timed exams where possible, make fun of myself and my mistakes and mask my weaknesses at all costs from EVERYONE. I had no idea I had dyslexia and dyscalculia. I just thought I was slow and less able.

Dyslexia is not a new term, it’s even a bit of an old hat as far as learning differences are concerned. So to clarify, dyslexia is a genetic, neurological specific learning difficulty (SpLD) where:

  • The brain processes information differently compared to a neurotypical person
  • The challenges are with reading, writing, spelling and comprehension
  • It affects verbal memory and verbal processing speed
  • It often occurs with other SpLD such as dyscalculia or dyspraxia/DCD
  • It can vary from mild to severe

With at least 10% of the population being dyslexic, like all neurodiversity, the first stumbling block comes with the unconscious bias and stigma surrounding learning differences. Labels such as scatty, slow, lazy, careless, forgetful, less able, weak still circulate. These misconceptions might explain why 3 out of 4 dyslexics don’t share this information with their employers. Does this sound familiar? Daily barriers and challenges can intensify in a school or work environment and if not identified or supported can increase feelings of frustration and anxiety. It can also have an impact on your self confidence, self belief and ultimately your ability to succeed.

What are the common daily challenges?

READING

  • It takes longer to read and process the information
  • It takes longer to analyse, summarise and decode words

 

VERBAL

  • Trouble formulating a response and finding the right words
  • Harder to follow a fast paced conversation, especially in a group

 

SPELLING and WRITING

  • Frequent errors with spelling and applying grammar rules
  • Difficulty checking for mistakes
  • Difficulty proofreading

 

MEMORY RETENTION

  • It’s harder to remain focused, remember sequences, numbers, spelling and instructions
  • Difficulty recalling facts, names, concepts

 

TIME MANAGEMENT

  • Difficulty with time management
  • Harder to prioritise and organise tasks

These struggles are often hidden but affect the daily smooth running of things. It’s here that there’s an important choice. To either find positive coping strategies to living with dyslexia or avoid and mask the challenges?

So let’s shift our focus and look at the strengths of a Dyslexic individual. Dyslexics are renowned for being:

  • Creative people and creative thinkers
  • Being Curious imaginative and empathetic
  • They are visionary people and innovative
  • They like to problem solve, connect the dots, find patterns, think outside of the box and simplify

Contrary to belief Dyslexics are great communicators, storytellers, inventors and much much more. Their thinking differently is their strength.

‘My dyslexia is not a disability, but an ability to think differently, and if this world needs anything at this moment, it is people who think differently.’ Jo Malone

So how can coaching help? Coaching will

  • Encourage you to foster a growth mindset and find new opportunities
  • Help identify your individual core skills, strengths and achievements
  • Encourage you to foster a positive mental attitude to tackle obstacles
  • Help you tap into your inner resilience and grit when facing a challenge
  • Shift old habits and assumptions that could be limiting you
  • Know the value of making mistakes and learning from them
  • Help you to create a structured and personalized plan for coping with dyslexia
  • Support you with self management and self responsibility

Simple changes can have a big impact on your daily life and future successes. If you feel your dyslexia is controlling you and limiting your ability to succeed. Or if you are a parent or employer wanting to support others. Please get in touch and we can discuss this more. I truly would love to help.

 

Chloe Coburn did indeed go on to pass her Teacher training exams and became Head of a Creative Art Faculty for 12 years. She is now a professional Coach, who has lived in different countries and works with clients to help them achieve their goals. Find out more about working with Chloe here.

September 24, 2024