Most people know dyslexia as “the reading one”. That’s only a small part of the picture. Dyslexia shapes how a person takes in, stores and works with information, and it comes with strengths as well as barriers. Understanding that helps dyslexic job seekers explain how they work, and helps employers stop judging talent on spelling alone.
Here are five facts about the dyslexic brain that are often missed.
1. Dyslexia is about processing information, not only reading
The British Dyslexia Association describes dyslexia as a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and writing, but stresses that it is really about how the brain processes information. That’s why dyslexic people may notice differences in areas such as following spoken instructions, organising ideas or remembering sequences, even when their reading is fluent.
2. Working memory and processing speed play a part
The BDA notes that working memory and processing speed can contribute to how dyslexia affects someone. In practice, holding a phone number in your head, taking notes while listening, or reading a dense document against the clock may take more effort. Change the format, for example by sharing slides in advance or giving written follow-ups after meetings, and the barrier often disappears.
3. Every dyslexic person is different
Dyslexia exists on a continuum, and people experience it to very different degrees. Two dyslexic colleagues may need completely different things, which is why asking the individual is always better than reaching for a standard checklist. Our guide to the differences in a dyslexic brain explores this further.
4. Dyslexia often comes with other neurodivergence
It’s common for dyslexia to co-occur with other neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD, dyscalculia and dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder). If someone’s experience doesn’t quite match what you expect from dyslexia, that may be why. We look at one of these overlaps in are dyslexia and ADHD connected?
5. Many dyslexic people have real strengths
According to the BDA, many dyslexic people show strengths in reasoning and in visual and creative fields. Plenty of dyslexic people describe themselves as big picture thinkers who are good at spotting connections others miss. Strengths vary from person to person, so treat these as possibilities rather than promises, but they are a good reason to rethink recruitment that leans heavily on written tests.
What this means for job seekers
Knowing how your own brain works makes it easier to talk about. In applications and interviews, focus on what you do well and give concrete examples. If written tests or timed tasks would put you at a disadvantage, you can ask for adjustments such as extra time or a different format.
What this means for employers
Dyslexic employees are often held back by how work is set up, not by their ability. Clear written guidance, assistive technology, and flexibility about how information is shared make a big difference. Our post on the benefits of employing dyslexic people sets out the business case, and these reasonable adjustment examples for dyslexic employees show what support can look like. For a broader overview, see our page on dyslexia in the workplace.
How Enna can help
For employers, the quickest win is often a workplace needs assessment for an individual, which turns these principles into specific adjustments. Our Neuroinclusive Communication workshop helps teams share information in ways that work for dyslexic colleagues and everyone else. Book a call if you’d like to discuss your organisation’s needs.
If you’re dyslexic and job hunting, take a look at the vacancies on our jobs board, where employers are actively looking for neurodivergent candidates.
