
Indicators of dyslexia
This guide is a loose list of possible indicators of dyslexia. Even if you tick lots of the boxes, this isn’t confirmation that you’re dyslexic but it might be useful to help you decide whether to be professionally assessed.
Many people with dyslexia will tick lots of these boxes:
- I find it easy to explain a concept or idea but struggle to write it down
- I read very slowly and might re-read several times before I am sure I understand
- I lose my place or miss out lines when I am reading
- I am creative
- When I write, I confuse words that are similar
- I often struggle to copy things down accurately
- I am interested in people and can often see the potential in others
- I make spelling mistakes and have difficulty writing things like reports
- Some days I spell better than others
- I have problems filling in forms
- I have difficulty retaining immediate information and I have a reputation for being forgetful
- I am good at thinking outside the box and seeing the whole picture
- I can get confused about dates and times
- I find it difficult remembering telephone messages accurately
- I find it difficult to organise myself
- I am good at seeing solutions that other people don’t see
- I dread being given complicated instructions, asked to read out loud or take minutes
- I find it easy to visualise ideas or concepts
- I can confuse left and right
- I have difficulty giving directions and following directions
- I am good at putting myself in someone else’s shoes
- Many of my difficulties get worse under stress
It is important to remember that people with dyslexia have many strengths as well as challenges. With the right support, children and adults with dyslexia are capable of reaching their full potential.