top of page
signs-of-dyslexia-in-adults.png

Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects reading, spelling and written language skills. Although it is often identified in childhood, many people reach adulthood without ever having a formal assessment

A Search for understanding

Many adults with dyslexia are intelligent, capable and successful, but may have spent years wondering why certain tasks feel harder than they should. Recognising the signs of dyslexia in adults can be an important first step towards understanding personal strengths, challenges and support needs.

​

Below are some of the most common indicators of dyslexia in adults.

Common Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

Adults with dyslexia do not all experience the same difficulties, but some common signs include:

​

Reading difficulties​

​

  • reading more slowly than expected

  • needing to reread text several times

  • finding long documents tiring or overwhelming

​

Spelling difficulties​

​

  • making frequent spelling mistakes

  • spelling the same word differently in the same piece of writing

  • relying heavily on spellcheck

  • avoiding writing where possible

 

Writing difficulties​

​

  • struggling to organise thoughts clearly on paper

  • taking longer to write emails, reports or forms

  • finding punctuation and grammar difficult to manage

  • worrying about making mistakes in professional or academic writing

 

Memory and processing difficulties​

​

  • remembering verbal instructions

  • recalling sequences, names or dates

  • processing information quickly

  • retaining what they have just read

 

Organisation difficulties

​

  • losing track of appointments or deadlines

  • misplacing important items

  • struggling to manage paperwork

  • finding multitasking difficult

Emotional Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

​

Undiagnosed dyslexia can affect confidence over time. Some adults may:

​

  • feel embarrassed about spelling or reading difficulties

  • avoid situations involving reading aloud or written tasks

  • feel anxious in work or study settings

  • underestimate their own abilities

 

It is important to remember that dyslexia is not linked to low intelligence. Many adults with dyslexia are creative, resourceful and strong problem-solvers.

Signs of Dyslexia at Work

​

Dyslexia in adults often becomes more noticeable in the workplace, especially in roles involving reading, writing and organisation.

​

An adult with dyslexia may find it difficult to:

​

  • write reports or emails quickly

  • take accurate notes in meetings

  • follow lengthy written instructions

  • proofread their own work

  • manage several written tasks at once

 

At the same time, many adults with dyslexia have strengths in:

​

  • verbal communication

  • creativity

  • big-picture thinking

  • practical problem-solving

Signs of Dyslexia in Higher Education

​Students in college or university may notice difficulties with:

​

  • reading academic texts

  • writing essays

  • structuring assignments

  • note-taking

  • managing deadlines and workload

 

A professional assessment can help students better understand their learning profile and, where appropriate, access support such as exam access arrangements or, if at university, Disabled Students' Allowance.

Could I Have Dyslexia as an Adult?

If you have always found reading, spelling or written work unusually difficult, it may be worth considering whether dyslexia could be a factor.

​

Many adults say they have spent years feeling that they had to work harder than others to complete tasks involving:

​

  • reading

  • writing

  • remembering information

  • organising written work

 

A professional dyslexia assessment can help identify whether dyslexia is present and provide useful recommendations for support.

Emotional Signs of Dyslexia in Adults

​

Undiagnosed dyslexia can affect confidence over time. Some adults may:

​

  • feel embarrassed about spelling or reading difficulties

  • avoid situations involving reading aloud or written tasks

  • feel anxious in work or study settings

  • underestimate their own abilities

 

It is important to remember that dyslexia is not linked to low intelligence. Many adults with dyslexia are creative, resourceful and strong problem-solvers.

When to Consider a Dyslexia Assessment

​You may wish to consider an assessment if:

​

  • reading and writing tasks take much longer than expected

  • spelling difficulties affect work or study

  • you have long-standing literacy difficulties

  • you are returning to education

  • you want a clearer understanding of your learning profile

 

A diagnostic assessment can provide:

​

  • a clear picture of strengths and difficulties

  • confirmation of whether dyslexia is present

  • practical recommendations for work, study and daily life

Adult Dyslexia Assessments

Lexety Education provides professional dyslexia assessments in Cornwall for adults, students and children. Alternatively, assessments can take place online.

 

Assessments are carried out by a qualified specialist teacher with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

​

The assessment process includes:

  • detailed diagnostic testing

  • discussion of educational and personal history

  • a comprehensive written report

  • practical recommendations tailored to the individual

 

If you are based in Truro, Cornwall or elsewhere in the UK and are wondering whether you may have dyslexia, an assessment can provide clarity and guidance.

​

If you are concerned about possible signs of dyslexia in adults, you are welcome to book a free discovery call to discuss your questions and find out more about the assessment process.

Related articles

​

bottom of page