Is it possible to develop dyslexia as you get older?

We don't usually think of dyslexia as something that can happen to us later in life. After all, it's a condition that is typically diagnosed in childhood, and most people with dyslexia learn to read and write despite their difficulties.  But what if you suddenly find yourself having trouble reading – can you develop dyslexia as an adult?  Let's take a look at the research on this topic.

It is possible to develop dyslexia as an adult, although it is less common than childhood dyslexia

Despite being more commonly associated with children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexic-related reading difficulties can still occur in adults. According to the British Dyslexia Association, adult-onset dyslexia affects nearly four million people in Britain alone and can be caused by a traumatic brain injury, or as part of another condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While traditional developmental dyslexia is usually diagnosed in children during their early years due to the fact their brains are still developing all necessary abilities for successful reading comprehension, adults who may have had all the capabilities developed but then suffer from an injury or other cognitive disability can find themselves going through similar difficulties. While rarer than childhood dyslexia, it is important educators, parents, and healthcare professionals are aware of the possibility that dyslexic issues could affect adults so they can develop strategies to help them cope.

‍

The symptoms of dyslexia can vary depending on the individual but may include difficulty with reading, writing, and/or spelling

As dyslexia is a disorder that affects how the brain processes language, it can manifest in a variety of ways and affect people of all ages. Dyslexic children often face challenges with reading, writing, and spelling but dyslexia can also remain unrecognized in adults. Dyslexia has a significant impact in terms of education as it can create major learning disabilities and interfere with the acquisition of basic reading skills. It may also lead to other underlying learning disabilities such as difficulties with organization and motor coordination. The best way to support dyslexic individuals is to acknowledge their strengths, provide access to educational support services, and retain any cultural identity that may have been lost due to language processing difficulties.

Dyslexia can impact any area of life, including work, school, and personal relationships

Dyslexia is one of the most common types of learning disabilities, and it can have an impact on all aspects of life. Adults often struggle with dyslexia in the workplace and even in their personal relationships, as dyslexic individuals may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or in writing. The symptoms of dyslexia vary from person to person, but they often include struggles with motor skill coordination, poor short-term memory, and difficulty in accurately reading words. Fortunately, there are resources available for those affected by dyslexia – the International Dyslexia Association provides information about dyslexia symptoms, strategies to overcome dyslexic difficulties and local tools that parents or teachers can use to support dyslexic learners. With determination and guidance from the International Dyslexia Association, anyone living with dyslexia can lead a productive life filled with success and satisfaction.

There are many resources available for adults with dyslexia, including support groups and specialized tutors

With dyslexia affecting roughly 15% of adults, learning to cope with dyslexia can sometimes be difficult. Dyslexia in adults can be caused by a delay in brain development or even other learning disabilities. However, there are various outside resources available to provide assistance and assurance for those affected.  Support groups give dyslexics an opportunity to engage with people of similar experiences, as well as hear about how others are coping. Additionally, specialized tutors offer one-on-one help that is tailored to dyslexia and may include activities such as improving reading speed and recognizing irregularly spelled words. And if someone is looking for more generalized help, finding an educator from a local Learning Disabilities Association may provide more knowledge of dyslexia in adults and aid with pronouncing words correctly. With so many resources out there, dyslexics have the ability to live successful lives while being supported along the way.

Developing dyslexia as an adult does not mean you are stupid or lazy - it just means your brain works differently

As many adults with dyslexia can attest, it is not a sign of stupidity or laziness, but simply a brain that works differently than the majority. Dyslexia in adults can be more complicated to diagnose though; sometimes dyslexia can masquerade as other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or dyspraxia. That is why proper diagnosis and awareness of dyslexia as a whole is so important for dyslexics so they do not suffer in silence or think that their difficulty with language and learning is due to being merely stupid or lazy. Furthermore,- it goes beyond bridging the educational gap, and adults with dyslexia must also pay attention to factors such as mental health in order to succeed and thrive.

With proper accommodations and support, adults with dyslexia can lead successful lives

Managing dyslexia in adults can be challenging, especially with written words. Accommodations such as extended time or alternative material formats can make all the difference for dyslexic adults. With proper accommodations and support, those with dyslexia can enjoy successful lives. For example, many dyslexics find that the attention deficit disorder (ADD) medication recommended by their physician helps them focus on written words. Through proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, dyslexic adults can discover therapeutic tools to help them succeed both in the workplace and at home. With the right resources and commitment to managing dyslexia, dyslexic adults can lead happy, fulfilled lives.

Conclusion

Although dyslexia is less common in adults, it is possible to develop this learning disability at any age. The symptoms can vary depending on the individual but may include difficulty with reading, writing, and/or spelling. Dyslexia can impact any area of life, including work, school, and personal relationships. There are many resources available for adults with dyslexia, including support groups and specialized tutors. Developing dyslexia as an adult does not mean you are stupid or lazy - it just means your brain works differently. With proper accommodations and support, adults with dyslexia can lead successful lives. Have you been diagnosed with dyslexia? What has been your experience?

‍