Plenty of books about dyslexia are written for parents and teachers. Far fewer speak to dyslexic adults about work, careers and everyday life. These four are the ones we recommend most often, to dyslexic professionals and to the managers and colleagues who want to understand them better.
Reading about dyslexia can be useful in two ways. For dyslexic adults, it can put words to experiences that have never quite been explained, and offer strategies that others have tested. For employers, it builds understanding that goes deeper than a training slide. Our guide to dyslexia in the workplace is a good companion to any of the books below.
The Adult Side of Dyslexia by Kelli Sandman-Hurley
Kelli Sandman-Hurley is co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute and has written several books on dyslexia. In The Adult Side of Dyslexia she draws on in-depth interviews with dyslexic adults, letting them describe their experiences of school, mental wellbeing, literacy and parenting in their own words, alongside practical tips.
It suits dyslexic adults who want to feel less alone in their experiences, and anyone who supports a dyslexic partner, colleague or friend. Because it is built on first-hand accounts, it is also a good way for managers to understand what years of unsupported schooling can leave behind.
Find out more: The Adult Side of Dyslexia (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Dyslexia: How to Survive and Succeed at Work by Sylvia Moody
Sylvia Moody’s book is the most work focused of the four. It covers practical areas such as reading and writing at work, memory, time management, heavy workloads and deadlines, as well as stress and confidence. It also explains dyspraxia, which often overlaps with dyslexia, and includes advice for employers on supporting dyslexic staff.
It was first published in 2006, so some of the technology advice has dated. The strategies for planning, prioritising and handling pressure still hold up well, and it is a useful book to share with a line manager.
Find out more: Dyslexia: How to Survive and Succeed at Work (Penguin)
This is Dyslexia by Kate Griggs
Kate Griggs is the founder and CEO of the charity Made By Dyslexia. This is Dyslexia explains what dyslexia is and is not, and makes the case for dyslexic thinking, highlighting strengths such as creativity, problem solving and big picture thinking. It includes practical advice for supporting dyslexic people at home, at school and at work, and a revised, updated edition is now available.
This is the one to give a sceptical senior leader. It is short, upbeat and firmly rooted in the strengths based view of dyslexia that we share. If that view resonates, you may also enjoy our piece on Richard Branson and dyslexic thinking.
Find out more: This is Dyslexia (Penguin)
Adult Dyslexia: Unleashing Your Limitless Power by Cheryl Isaacs
Cheryl Isaacs’ 2019 book is a practical guide for adults with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. It looks at how the brain works, different ways of thinking about intelligence and how personality shapes the way we learn, using real case studies throughout.
It is the most personal and encouraging of the four, aimed squarely at dyslexic adults who want to build confidence and find strategies that suit their strengths.
Find out more: Adult Dyslexia: Unleashing Your Limitless Power (Goodreads)
Putting what you read into practice
Books are a good starting point, but the biggest gains usually come from small, practical changes at work. Our free dyslexia style guide shows how to make documents easier to read, and our article on how the dyslexic brain processes information explains why those changes work.
How Enna can help
If you are dyslexic and looking for your next role, our neurodivergent jobs board lists roles with employers who are committed to inclusion. You can sign up for job alerts so new roles come straight to your inbox, and our CV help page has advice on presenting your strengths.
Employers who want to go further than a reading list can talk to us about workplace needs assessments for dyslexic staff, or book a call to discuss training.
