Dyslexia Assessments for Adults: Why More People Are Getting Diagnosed Later in Life

Many people associate dyslexia with learning difficulties in childhood. However, dyslexia doesn’t vanish with age, and many people aren’t diagnosed early in life. Thousands of adults across the UK are now turning to dyslexia assessments to finally understand challenges they’ve lived with for decades.Our Services | Dyslexia Evaluation & Support

Whether you struggle with spelling inconsistencies, or find it hard to process written instructions, adult dyslexia often goes unrecognised. If you’ve ever felt like you had to work twice as hard to keep up, you’re not imagining it- and you’re not alone.

In this article, we explore why more adults are getting tested for dyslexia, what motivates them to seek a diagnosis, and how it can genuinely improve quality of life.

1. Lifelong Struggles That Were Never Labelled

Many adults grew up at a time when dyslexia was poorly understood, or not recognised at all. In school, they may have been labelled ‘slow’, ‘lazy’ or ‘not academic’. This is despite being intelligent and capable. 

Without a diagnosis and support, these individuals often developed coping mechanisms that masked their difficulties.

Now, as adults, those coping strategies may no longer be enough, especially when there’s more demands in work or education. For some, it's the first time they start questioning whether undiagnosed dyslexia could explain their experiences.

Common adult dyslexia signs include:

• Difficulty processing written information quickly

• Poor short-term memory or trouble recalling instructions

• Inconsistent spelling or grammar

• Struggles with written communication

• Feeling overwhelmed by large amounts of text

• Mental fatigue when reading or writing

2. Career Development and Pressures at Work

Many people seek an assessment for dyslexia in adulthood when they hit a wall in their career. Maybe they’re asked to take on more written tasks. Or they’re asked to lead meetings, or manage complex documentation. Suddenly, old struggles resurface.

A formal diagnosis can unlock support in the workplace, such as:

• Assistive technology (e.g., text-to-speech software)

• Additional time for tasks or assessments

• Adjustments to communication styles from colleagues

• Coaching or workplace strategy training

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments for staff with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. But to be eligible for these adjustments, many adults need an official diagnostic report from a qualified assessor, such as one with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

At Lexety Education, our adult dyslexia assessments meet the standards required by employers, universities, and government bodies.

3. Returning to Education

Some adults decide to return to education, whether to change careers, pursue a postgraduate degree, or take a professional qualification. That’s often when challenges with reading speed, essay writing, or organising information become impossible to ignore.

Many universities require formal evidence of dyslexia to grant additional support or adjustments in exams. A full diagnostic assessment is also needed to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA): a government grant that provides support such as software, one-to-one mentoring, or equipment.

In such cases, a dyslexia assessment isn’t just about understanding themselves: it means levelling the playing field.

4. Parenting a Neurodiverse Child

Another common trigger for seeking a dyslexia assessment as an adult is parenting a child who has recently been diagnosed. Many parents start recognising similar patterns in themselves: the same spelling errors, the same anxiety around reading aloud, the same need for extra time.

This moment of reflection often prompts adults to seek their own assessment: not just to make sense of the past, but to better support their child’s journey.

It’s a powerful step: when parents get diagnosed, it can help you reach deeper levels of understanding. 

5. Personal Growth and Mental Wellbeing

Some adults seek a dyslexia diagnosis simply for peace of mind. After years of frustration, self-doubt and masking their difficulties, a formal assessment can be a validating experience.

Understanding how your brain works, why you struggle with some things and excel at others, can have a huge impact. It often leads to:

• Improved self-esteem

• Less anxiety around work or communication

• Better strategies for everyday tasks

• Freedom from the label of “not trying hard enough”

At Lexety Education, we hear this all the time: adults feel relief when their struggles are finally recognised and explained. It’s not about putting a label on you: it’s about giving you answers.

6. It's Easier Than Ever to Get Assessed

One reason for the growing number of adults being diagnosed is that testing is now more accessible than ever. At Lexety Education, we offer online dyslexia assessments across the UK and in-person assessments in Truro, Cornwall.

You don’t need to take time off work or travel long distances: just book a free discovery call to find out if an assessment is right for you.

Chrissy, our lead assessor, is not only a qualified teacher with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and British Dyslexia Association Accredited Teacher Status. She also has decades of experience supporting people of all ages. You’ll be in good hands from start to finish.

Book your free discovery call today or visit our FAQs page to learn more about how we work.