Working with dyslexic clients

Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can significantly impact education, the workplace, and everyday life.

Each of us is unique, and so is everyone's dyslexia experience. It can range from mild to severe. It often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties or differences, such as ADHD and dyspraxia. It often runs in families, and it's a life-long condition.

According to the NHS, up to one in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia. However, dyslexia is misunderstood due to misconceptions about the condition, a lack of awareness, and the complexity of symptoms. There is a need for more awareness, education, and adequate training in schools and universities. This could help to improve a significant lack of understanding of dyslexia and how it affects individuals.

Dyslexia can manifest differently in different individuals. Some may struggle more with reading, while others struggle with writing, spelling, or verbal expression. This variability can make it harder for people to recognise dyslexia, leading to misunderstanding or misdiagnosis.

How it can impact a client's life 

A common misconception is that dyslexia is linked to low intelligence. In reality, dyslexia occurs independently of intelligence, and many clients with dyslexia will have average or above-average intellectual abilities.

Dyslexia can affect short-term memory, making remembering sequences (like the order of letters in a word) or instructions challenging. Learning new vocabulary, names, or foreign languages can be more challenging because of difficulties with phonological processing (the ability to recognise and work with sounds in language). Some people with dyslexia also experience difficulties with mathematics.

Self-esteem and confidence

The academic and workplace struggles associated with dyslexia can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety, especially if the person feels different from their peers or if their difficulties are misunderstood. The frustration from struggling with tasks can sometimes lead to behavioural issues or social withdrawal. Dyslexia can also make it difficult to follow complex conversations or instructions, which may affect social interactions. 

While these difficulties can be significant, it is essential to note that individuals with dyslexia often develop strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and other strengths. 

Working with dyslexic adult clients 

Some individuals with dyslexia develop robust coping mechanisms and strategies to mask their difficulties, especially in less severe cases. This can lead to the condition being overlooked or underestimated.

Therapy can play a vital role in supporting clients with dyslexia, addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that frequently accompany the condition. One of the most significant benefits of therapy for individuals with dyslexia is the opportunity to build self-esteem and confidence. 

Dyslexia can often lead to negative self-perceptions, particularly when a person has struggled academically or felt different from their peers. These experiences can foster feelings of inadequacy and a belief that they are less capable than others. In therapy, clients can explore these negative beliefs, challenge them, and work towards developing a more positive self-image. 

Therapists can help clients recognise and celebrate their strengths and talents, often overshadowed by their struggles with dyslexia. This shift in focus can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and confidence. Managing anxiety and stress is another area where therapy can be particularly beneficial. 

The pressures of academic and professional environments can be overwhelming for someone with dyslexia, especially when tasks like reading, writing, or public speaking are involved. Providing strategies for managing these stressors, including relaxation techniques, time management skills, and mindfulness practices, can be helpful.

Judgement from others 

Many individuals with dyslexia also experience anxiety, particularly in situations where their abilities are tested or where they fear judgement from others. Clients with dyslexia often experience complex emotions such as frustration, anxiety, or shame. Therapy can offer a space where these feelings can be expressed and processed in a supportive environment.

Dyslexia can present social and emotional challenges. For some, difficulties with language processing may impact social interactions, making it harder to follow conversations or instructions. Therapy can aid in developing better communication skills, assertiveness, and strategies for navigating social situations. Additionally, the frustration, anger, or sadness that can arise from living with dyslexia, especially if a client has faced criticism, bullying, or misunderstanding throughout their life can be explored. 

Dyslexia can sometimes lead to psychological barriers such as fear of failure or perfectionism, which past experiences of struggle can exacerbate. Therapy can help individuals identify and overcome these barriers, fostering a more positive and proactive approach to their personal and professional lives. 

Finally, therapy plays a crucial role in fostering acceptance of dyslexia. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, therapy can help individuals see dyslexia as a unique aspect of their identity, encouraging them to embrace it rather than resist or deny it. This acceptance can lead to empowerment, where individuals feel more capable of advocating for their needs, whether in educational settings, the workplace, or their personal lives.

By helping individuals build self-esteem, manage anxiety, develop coping strategies, and foster acceptance, therapy can significantly improve their quality of life and enable them to thrive in all areas.