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HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE DYSLEXIC?

Recognizing Yourself

Many adults who have struggled with reading throughout their lives may wonder if they are dyslexic, especially considering the challenges it poses in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

Contrary to common belief, dyslexia can be diagnosed at any age by professionals such as psychologists, diagnostic specialists, or learning disability specialists. To begin the process, the first step is to take the free dyslexia test provided below and discuss the results with your doctor to ascertain if your symptoms align with those of dyslexia.

NEXT GENERATION OF DYSLEXIA

For many adults who struggled with their education due to undiagnosed dyslexia, witnessing similar challenges in their own children's schooling can evoke powerful memories of their own experiences. Recognizing that dyslexia often runs in families, these adults may observe their children encountering similar difficulties and recall their own struggles. This recognition prompts them to advocate for their children and seek testing for dyslexia, a step they themselves may never have taken in the past due to limited awareness.

Consequently, as they witness the positive impact of diagnosis and support on their children's learning journeys, many adults are increasingly inclined to undergo testing themselves, shedding light on their own lifelong struggles and paving the way for improved understanding and assistance. This growing trend reflects a shift towards greater awareness and recognition of dyslexia within both family dynamics and society as a whole.

Undiagnosed adults with dyslexia may face various negative repercussions, including academic underachievement, poor work performance, and diminished self-esteem. Proper identification of dyslexia can lead to accommodations in educational, professional, and home settings, enabling individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

The criteria for this test have been established by the Davis Dyslexia Association International. It aims to assess whether you exhibit symptoms consistent with dyslexia. However, it's important to note that this test is not a diagnostic tool; only trained educational professionals can provide a formal diagnosis.

Dyslexia is often described as a "hidden disability," affecting more individuals than commonly realized. Importantly, there is no correlation between dyslexia and intelligence. Rather, it stems from differences in brain wiring that hinder the ability to connect letters, words, and sounds effectively.

You may have struggled with reading in school, and although reading remains challenging, you may have never received a formal diagnosis for your difficulties. Dyslexia isn't a condition that suddenly appears in adulthood; rather, it often goes unnoticed until properly identified.

INDICATORS OF DYSLEXIA

Some common indicators of dyslexia include difficulties with:

Reading, including reading aloud, leading to avoidance of reading tasks.

Note-taking, which may be time-consuming, and struggles with written expression.

Pronunciation of words and retrieval of vocabulary.

Comprehension of idiomatic expressions and jokes.

Mathematical and numerical tasks.

Spontaneous verbal responses and feelings of anxiety.

Learning foreign languages.

Time management and meeting deadlines.

COEXISTS WITH

Dyslexia often coexists with other conditions such as:

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Memory issues.

Dyscalculia (difficulties with math).

Dysgraphia (challenges with handwriting).

Dyspraxia (coordination difficulties).

Understanding and identifying dyslexia can significantly impact individuals' lives by providing access to appropriate support and accommodations tailored to their needs.