Reading
Break it up
Read in short chunks with breaks. Aim for 20 minutes then a 5-minute pause.
Use a ruler or card
Place a ruler or piece of card under each line to stop words jumping or merging.
Read aloud / listen
Reading out loud, or listening to text-to-speech, often improves comprehension.
Coloured overlays / backgrounds
Try a coloured acetate overlay or screen tint — blue or cream often help.
Summarise as you go
After each paragraph, stop and write one sentence summarising what you just read.
Skim structure first
Read headings, first sentences and bullet lists before deep reading.
Use our reading mode
Click Aa in the nav for OpenDyslexic font, extra spacing and a cream background.
Writing
Plan before you write
Use a spider diagram or bullet list to dump ideas before writing. Structure comes second.
Voice-to-text
Dictate using your phone or desktop dictation — then edit.
Leave editing until the end
Write the whole thing first without stopping to correct.
Use spell check freely
There is no shame in spell check or Grammarly-style tools. Confirm workplace policy if needed.
Read backwards for errors
To spot spelling mistakes, read from the last word to the first.
Short sentences
Aim for sentences under 20 words. Easier to write and to check.
Templates
Keep email and report templates so you are not starting from a blank page.
Memory & processing
Write everything down
Do not rely on verbal instructions. After calls, write a short summary.
One system only
One notebook or one app — not both. Consistency beats perfection.
Record meetings
Ask permission to record so you can replay rather than relying on memory.
Checklists
Daily checklists reduce cognitive load and forgotten steps.
Repeat back instructions
Repeat verbal instructions to confirm understanding — this is professional, not weak.
Photos of whiteboards
Snap agendas and action walls before they are erased.
Organisation & time
Time blocking
Schedule tasks with start and end times — not just a floating to-do list.
Double time estimates
If you think 30 minutes, schedule 60. Most people underestimate.
One task at a time
Multitasking increases errors. Finish or pause cleanly before switching.
Colour-coded calendars
Meetings, deep work and admin in different colours.
End-of-day review
Five minutes: what finished, what moves to tomorrow.
External deadlines buffer
Set personal deadlines a day earlier than the real one.
Communication
Ask for written follow-up
After verbal briefings, ask for a summary email. This is reasonable.
Prepare talking points
Before meetings, write 3–5 bullets you need to raise.
Allow processing time
“Let me think and come back to you” is a valid professional response.
Proofread out loud
Read important emails aloud before sending.
Prefer async when possible
Written channels give you time to compose carefully.
At work
Name the adjustment, not the struggle
Ask for “written briefs” rather than apologising for memory.
Keep a wins list
Confidence drops after years of masking — record successes weekly.
Buddy for critical documents
Peer-check client-facing writing; offer to help them in return.
Book deep-work blocks
Protect quiet hours in the calendar like meetings.
Review adjustments quarterly
Roles change — support should change with them.
Study & exams
Apply early for access arrangements
Extra time and tech need evidence and admin lead time.
Past papers with the same setup
Practise with the exact tools you will use in the exam.
DSA assessment (HE)
Higher education students should explore Disabled Students’ Allowance early.
Lecture capture
Use recordings so notes are not the only memory of the session.
Turn on reading mode
Use the Aa button at the top of the page for OpenDyslexic font, wider spacing, and a cream background.