When most people think of dyslexia, they picture someone struggling to read or spell correctly. The assumption is often that dyslexic individuals just need to try harder, read more slowly, or get extra help with phonics. However, the reality is far more complex. Dyslexia is not simply about mixing up letters; it is a neurological difference that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. This means that dyslexic people don’t just read differently—they see words and letters in ways that can be fundamentally different from non-dyslexic individuals.

What Happens in the Dyslexic Brain?

Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition, meaning it stems from how the brain is wired rather than a lack of intelligence or effort. Research using brain imaging has shown that dyslexic individuals process language differently than neurotypical readers. While non-dyslexic readers primarily use the left hemisphere of the brain (particularly areas like the left occipital-temporal region), dyslexic individuals tend to have reduced activity in these areas and often rely on alternative neural pathways, such as the right hemisphere and frontal lobes. This can lead to differences in:

• Phonological Processing – Difficulty breaking words into their sounds, making decoding harder.
• Visual Processing – Some dyslexic people report seeing words that appear to move, blur together, or change as they read.
• Working Memory – Struggles with holding multiple pieces of information in their mind while reading or writing.
• Processing Speed – Taking longer to recognize words or understand text.

These neurological differences result in unique reading experiences that vary from person to person. Let’s explore some of the ways dyslexic brains can physically change how words appear.

How Dyslexic People See Words

The way words appear to a dyslexic brain can be dramatically different from how a neurotypical brain perceives them. Below are some common visual distortions reported by dyslexic individuals:

1. Letters That Move or Swap Places

Some dyslexic people describe words and letters as though they are shifting on the page. Letters might swap positions (e.g., “was” becoming “saw”), or they may dance around, making it difficult to focus.

2. Blurring and Smudging

For some, text can appear as though it’s been smudged, making it hard to distinguish individual letters or words. This can be especially challenging when reading long paragraphs or dense academic text.

3. Overshadowing and Ghosting

Another phenomenon some dyslexic readers experience is an overshadowing effect, where certain letters or words seem to be covered by shadows, making them harder to read. Similarly, ghosting can occur, where faint duplicates of letters appear above or beside the real ones, creating a confusing overlay.

4. Text That Appears to Shake or Vibrate

Some dyslexic individuals experience words that seem to shake or vibrate as they try to read, making it difficult to concentrate on individual words or sentences.

5. Words Blending Into One Another

Instead of distinct spaces between words, some dyslexic people see text as a continuous stream, making it challenging to distinguish where one word ends and another begins.

6. Incorrect Spacing Between Sentences

7. Parts of The Letters Could Be Missing

The Strengths of the Dyslexic Brain

While dyslexia presents challenges in reading and writing, it also comes with incredible strengths. The way dyslexic brains process information can lead to advantages in:

• Big Picture Thinking – Seeing connections that others miss, thinking outside the box.
• Creative Problem-Solving – Many dyslexic individuals excel in fields that require innovative thinking, such as architecture, design, and entrepreneurship.
• Spatial Awareness – Many dyslexic individuals have heightened spatial reasoning, making them great engineers, artists, or pilots.
• Storytelling and Communication – Despite struggles with writing, many dyslexic individuals excel at verbal storytelling and communicating ideas in engaging ways.

Famous dyslexic individuals include Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Agatha Christie, and Richard Branson, all of whom used their unique cognitive abilities to excel in their respective fields.

How to Support Dyslexic Individuals

Understanding that dyslexia is more than just reading difficulties allows for better support. Here are some strategies that can help dyslexic individuals navigate the challenges of reading and writing:

1. Use Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts

Fonts like Dyslexie and OpenDyslexic are designed to reduce letter confusion and make reading easier.

2. Break Up Text

Short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings help dyslexic readers process information more easily.

3. Provide Audiobooks and Text-to-Speech Tools

Listening to books while following along with text can enhance comprehension and retention.

4. Allow Extra Time

Dyslexic individuals may need more time to read, process, and respond to written information.

5. Use Coloured Overlays

Some dyslexic readers benefit from using coloured overlays or changing the background colour on screens to reduce visual distortions.

6. Encourage Strength-Based Learning

Rather than focusing solely on weaknesses, emphasize areas where dyslexic individuals excel, such as problem-solving, creativity, and visual thinking.

Conclusion

Dyslexia is not a simple case of reading and writing difficulties. It is a unique way of processing language that can fundamentally change how words appear on a page. By understanding the neurological basis of dyslexia and the visual distortions many experience, we can move beyond outdated stereotypes and create a more inclusive world for dyslexic individuals. With the right support and recognition of their strengths, dyslexic people can thrive in a wide range of fields, proving that different ways of thinking are not just valid but valuable.

 

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