Why I see my dyslexia as a strength

I found out I had dyslexia at the age of 19. I’d been tested earlier in my school days, but the results of that test remain a mystery. All I know is nothing came of it, and I cracked on with GCSEs and college. Whilst at college, I received the result of a joint assignment in class, with the following at the top of the page: does Stuart have dyslexia? Needless to say, I was unimpressed and a bit embarrassed.

Making sense

At the end of my first year in university, I was struggling to keep pace. I thought back to that statement at the top of my assignment and sought some answers. I went to see the university student support team and enquired about testing. This led to a rather fun afternoon with a psychologist who put me through a series of tests. I enjoyed the process and the report confirmed what had been suspected.

I learned that my reading age was some years behind my actual age and that I had an insanely high verbal IQ. It helped me to make sense of some of my struggles and to plan how best to approach the different challenges of study.

At uni and two decades later now undertaking an MSc, I’ve taken advantage of several support tools. I’ve used dictation software, Grammarly, mind mapping tools and software such as Glean to help with note-taking. I’m not always consistent in applying these tools, and I often can revert to the struggle, where I get on with things and forget to make use of the resources available.

Dyslexia as a strength

I’ve come to see my dyslexia as a strength. I know my brain works a little differently to others, but it also means I approach things a little differently. I know where I’m strong and where I’m weaker. I have worked out how to help myself, especially with tools to play back my work to me, so I hear rather than read what I’ve written, and that’s the best tool I have for editing.

I’ve found that support levels vary. I find that educational institutions are exceptional in their support of students, and I’m certainly grateful for that. In the workplace, I find it's more mixed: people don’t always understand where and why you struggle but, equally, I’ve had very understanding managers who have looked to work with me to ensure I have what I need.

I’m always a bit reticent to give advice to others as I know there are variances for everyone, and their struggles and strengths will differ from my own. I suppose the thing that I have learned, and that’s applicable beyond the neurodiversity topic, is not to be afraid to ask for help. Every time I have done so, I have found the support I needed.