Getting a dyslexia diagnosis as an adult can bring a lot up at once. Relief that there is an explanation. Frustration that nobody spotted it at school. And, quite often, a practical question: what do I do with this at work?
There is no single right answer, but these are the steps we see make the most difference for people with dyslexia at work.
Take time to process it
A diagnosis does not change who you are or what you can do. It gives you a new way of understanding experiences you have probably had for years, such as finding long documents tiring, preferring to talk something through rather than read it, or seeing the bigger picture faster than colleagues. Give yourself time to think about what it means to you before deciding what to do next.
Understand your own dyslexia
Dyslexia is not only about reading and spelling. It can affect processing speed, working memory, organisation and how you take in information, and it often comes with strengths in areas such as reasoning, creativity and problem solving. Your assessment report is a good place to start, because it should describe your individual profile.
For a wider view, the British Dyslexia Association’s guidance on dyslexia in the workplace is reliable, and our own guide to dyslexia in the workplace covers how it tends to show up day to day. Our dyslexia styles guide can help you put your own working preferences into words.
Decide whether to tell your employer
Telling your employer is your choice. Many people find that sharing their diagnosis makes it easier to get the right support, but you do not have to do it straight away, and you can decide how much to share. If you are unsure how to start the conversation, our guide to talking to your employer about being neurodivergent walks you through it, and our disclosure templates give you wording you can adapt.
Where dyslexia has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities, it can meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. When it does, your employer has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Work out which adjustments would help
Good adjustments are specific to you. Think about the tasks that take you disproportionate time or energy, and what would make them easier. Common examples include:
- assistive technology such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text or proofreading software
- information shared in advance of meetings, or in a different format
- verbal briefings backed up by short written summaries
- extra time for reading-heavy tasks
- a quieter place to work when concentration matters
Our list of reasonable adjustment examples for dyslexic employees has many more. AI tools are also opening up new options, which we cover in our article on AI as assistive technology. If cost is a barrier, the government’s Access to Work scheme can fund some equipment and support.
Find systems that suit you
Organising information is often where dyslexia shows up most at work. There is no correct system, only the one that works for you. Some people like digital task apps with reminders; others prefer colour coding, mind maps or a single notebook. Try a few and drop anything that feels like more effort than it saves.
Connect with other dyslexic people
Talking to people who have been through the same thing is often the most useful step of all. Your organisation may have a disability or neurodiversity network, which is a good place to ask what has worked for others there. Outside work, dyslexia organisations and online communities offer advice and solidarity.
Keep advocating for yourself
Your needs may change when you start a new role, get a new manager or take on different work. It is reasonable to revisit your adjustments when that happens. Building the habit of saying clearly what helps you do your best work is one of the most valuable things you can take from a diagnosis.
How Enna can help
If you want expert recommendations to take to your manager, ask your employer about a workplace needs assessment, which sets out the adjustments that would help you most. Our workplace coaching can help you build strategies around your strengths. And if you are thinking about a new role where your strengths are valued, have a look at our neurodivergent jobs board.
