Life as a Dyslexic

Dyslexics tend to have 'good days' and 'bad days' and on a 'bad day' spelling is the skill most easily lost.

It is the erratic nature of dyslexics that causes frustration in teachers, employers, and mostly in dyslexics themselves. Information known one day, or even one hour, previously can be lost very easily, giving others the impression of 'not listening' or 'not trying'.

The trouble with dyslexia is that it cannot be seen. During school life the difficulty is getting recognition and support, but it can be done.

Having trouble reading a map or finding my way to a strange place, I frequently get lost in large buildings; travelling on my own into town will cause me great difficulty and stress, bus numbers will change from 669 to 696 or 969. I have found myself sitting on a bus going the opposite way from what I expected to go.

Sometimes I dial telephone numbers in the wrong order, also write the numbers in the wrong order. This is not only very frustrating, but also very time consuming.

Difficulty when having to read a report at a meeting. Dyslexics tend to read much more slowly than their peers. I feel very uncomfortable when everyone else has finished reading and I am still on the first page. I often only pretend to read, rather than be left behind.

I have never been able to go shopping and use a cheque book. Life became much easier for me when I was able to have a debit card to shop.

Being dyslexic and trying to survive in the world falls into two categories - living and working. The most intimidating moment is