What Does It Mean to Be Dyslexic?

Dyslexia is the most common learning difficulty. As many as one in five people live with dyslexia. 

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But what does dyslexia mean? And what everyday challenges might be faced for a person who is dyslexic?

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The term Dyslexia comes from the Greek words ‘dys’ meaning difficult or poor and ‘lexis’ meaning language or words. Put simply, dyslexia means difficulty with words.

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Words are all around us: written words, spoken words…it is impossible to avoid words. Having dyslexia is something you cannot escape.  

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For more information about what dyslexia is, take a look at our post What is Dyslexia?

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Most dyslexics have an average or high IQ. They have ‘difficulty with words’ but they are by no means stupid.

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So, what is the meaning of dyslexia for those who have it?

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It’s pretty hard to write down what dyslexics see or what problems dyslexic people have when they are reading. 

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Having dyslexia is not just about struggling to read written text. It can be much more than that.

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We asked some dyslexic, ‘what does it mean to be dyslexic?’ Here’s what they said:

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‘I understand stuff really well, I just find it hard to read the words.’ – Emily, 10

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‘I can’t get my thoughts down on paper.’ – Ebony, 11

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‘You can sometimes feel pretty alone when everyone else around you is enjoying reading and you just can’t keep up.’ – Tyrone, 9

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‘Before I found out I was dyslexic, teachers thought I just didn’t listen and didn’t do what I was told. But I find it really hard to remember more than one or two instructions at a time.’ – Mateo, 14

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‘I sometimes pretend I’m ill so that I don’t have to go to school.’ – Ben, 13

Having – and understanding – dyslexia can be pretty overwhelming. But it’s not all bad. Some kids even say that dyslexia is their superpower!

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We know that the brain of a dyslexic person is wired differently. Science has proved this. That different wiring can often create strengths in other areas.

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People with dyslexia are right brain dominant. 

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Scientists have discovered that the different hemispheres – or sides – of the brain are linked to different skills:

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It’s pretty interesting to see how brain dominance can dictate strengths and weaknesses. 

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Here’s another infographic that plots some of the areas that dyslexics often shine in as well as the skills they sometimes struggle with.

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There are some pretty awesome strengths in there and there are heaps of famous dyslexics who have used those strengths with huge success. Here are just a few:

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Life as a dyslexic is certainly not a walk in the park, particularly in the school years when so much focus is on reading, listening and writing in the classroom. But life can be made easier.

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• Your child will learn to read most effectively by being taught using a systematic synthetic phonics programme;
• Identify and focus on your child’s strengths;
• Recognise and acknowledge the areas they struggle with;
• Make use of available assistive technologies;
• See dyslexia as a learning difference not a learning disability.