BDA Blogs: Dyslexia does not stop when school does

Dyslexia does not stop when school does

When we talk about dyslexia, much of the conversation often focuses on children and young people. That is right. Getting the right support in place at school matters. The experiences children have in education affects their confidence, opportunities and expectations for the future.

But dyslexia does not stop when school ends.  It is lifelong, and we know all too well that the challenges for many continue into adulthood and the workplace.

This year, for Dyslexia Awareness Week, we want to bring greater attention to the experiences of dyslexic adults with our theme is Dyslexia in real life: At work.

For many dyslexic adults, the barriers they experienced at school often reappear in different ways at work. They might be there when completing a job application, preparing for an interview or starting a new role. They might arise when someone needs to process large amounts of information, use unfamiliar workplace systems, manage competing priorities or communicate in ways that do not work well for them.

For some people, the challenge is knowing when or how to ask for support. For others, it is getting the right support in place.

At the British Dyslexia Association, we work with dyslexic people at every stage of life. We hear about the barriers adults face, but also about the strengths, skills and different ways of thinking they bring to their workplaces.

What dyslexic adults tell us matters.

Nine in ten dyslexic adults we surveyed said that their dyslexia reduces their confidence. More than four in five said that people do not understand the challenges and strengths of dyslexia, and over half said dyslexia has made them feel bad about themselves.

These figures tell us something important. The impact of dyslexia is not simply about finding reading, writing or particular workplace tasks difficult. It can affect how people see themselves and how confident they feel about what they can achieve.

Some adults have spent years believing they are simply ‘not very good’ at certain things, without understanding why. Others have only discovered they are dyslexic later in life, after years of struggling to understand why certain tasks take them longer or require more effort.

These experiences can affect much more than someone's working day. They can influence confidence, career choices, progression and whether people feel able to reach their full potential.

Dyslexia is not a lack of ability and should never be reduced to a list of difficulties. Dyslexic people make a valuable contribution across every part of the workforce, bringing skills, experience and different ways of thinking.

But strengths should not be used to overlook barriers.

A workplace can be demanding without creating unnecessary obstacles. Clear communication, accessible systems, supportive management and appropriate adjustments can all make a significant difference.

The aim of adjustments is not to give dyslexic employees an advantage. It is to remove barriers that should not be there in the first place.

Throughout Dyslexia Awareness Week, we will share new research, lived experiences and practical guidance for employers, managers and dyslexic employees.

At the British Dyslexia Association, we want to build understanding, challenge unnecessary barriers and encourage workplaces where dyslexic people can contribute, develop and thrive.

Dyslexia does not stop when someone leaves school. Our understanding and support should not stop there either.

Join us this Dyslexia Awareness Week and help us raise the volume for dyslexia!