Sharing experiences

By Liz Rodger, DyslexicAdult Network Volunteer

Dyslexic Adult Network meetings allow dyslexic adults to share experiences. We usually start with small group discussions of 4 or 5 people. After this the groups feed back the results of their chat to the full group and this leads to a discussion in which everyone can contribute. After this there is often a speaker talking about their dyslexia experience or someone providing ideas for support strategies.

Our in-person Dyslexic Adult Network meetings allow individuals to come together and meet other adults with similar challenges. It enables individuals to learn how others cope.
At the Dyslexic Adult Network meeting in October in Glasgow, Geotechnical Engineer, Mark Roy, spoke about how he uses tables and headings to structure his reports. Tables also allow him to explain technical details to his colleagues.

The September meeting in Edinburgh explored the issues around dyslexia and socialising. Many at the meeting commented how they felt they didn’t fit into many social activities; always feeling different and not processing the conversations in the same way as the non-dyslexic individuals present. Even in the midst of a group, some dyslexics can feel alone. Coming together with others who understood these challenges was a relief. Dyslexic Adult meetings are good for our wellbeing.

Recent dyslexia research that I read indicates that people with dyslexia are more emotionally sensitive and deeper thinkers (especially in learning situations). Therefore it is important that we have positive and emotionally supportive outlets to understanding ourselves better and our dyslexic strengths.

The Dyslexic Adult Network also meets online to promote sharing of experiences. Although online meetings aren’t able to provide the one-to-one chat opportunities of in-person meetings, they are still a valuable way of discussing adult dyslexia challenges and strategies to overcome them. It is said that a problem shared is a problem halved.

Please join our Dyslexic Adult Network meetings to help improve your wellbeing. Workplace support and empathy from others with dyslexia is available at Dyslexia Scotland’s three Dyslexic Adult Networks. Meetings offer a variety of dyslexia subjects either via Zoom or at in-person meetings. I hope to welcome you to one of our meetings in the near future.