📖 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
Reading out loud, or listening to text-to-speech, significantly improves comprehension for many dyslexic people.
Coloured overlays
Try a coloured acetate overlay on printed text — blue or yellow often help. Ask your employer for coloured paper.
Summarise as you go
After each paragraph, stop and write one sentence summarising what you just read.
Use our reading mode
Click Aa in the nav to switch to OpenDyslexic font with extra spacing — designed specifically for dyslexic readers.
✍️ Writing
Plan before you write
Use a spider diagram or bullet list to dump all ideas before writing. Structure comes second.
Voice-to-text
Dictate your writing using your phone or a tool like Dragon NaturallySpeaking — then edit.
Leave editing until the end
Write the whole thing first without stopping to correct. Editing while writing slows you down.
Use spell check freely
There is no shame in using spell check. Ask your employer to confirm this is permitted.
Read backwards for errors
To spot spelling mistakes, read from the last word to the first — it stops your brain auto-correcting.
Short sentences
Aim for sentences under 20 words. Shorter sentences are easier to write and to check.
🧠 Memory
Write everything down
Do not rely on verbal instructions. After meetings or calls, immediately write a short summary.
Use a consistent system
One notebook or one app — not both. A consistent system means you always know where to look.
Record meetings
Ask permission to record meetings so you can play them back rather than relying on memory.
Checklists
Use daily checklists for routine tasks. Tick off completed items — this also reduces cognitive load.
Repeat back instructions
When given verbal instructions, repeat them back to confirm understanding. This is a professional skill, not a weakness.
📅 Organisation & Time
Time blocking
Schedule tasks in your calendar with specific start and end times — not just a to-do list.
Double your time estimates
If you think something will take 30 minutes, schedule 60. Most people, not just dyslexic people, underestimate.
One task at a time
Multitasking is a myth. Work on one thing until it is done or a natural pause point.
Colour-coded calendars
Assign colours to different types of work — meetings (blue), deep work (green), admin (yellow).
End-of-day review
Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day reviewing what was done and planning the next day.
💬 Communication
Ask for written follow-up
After verbal briefings, ask for a follow-up email summarising the key points. This is reasonable and professional.
Prepare talking points
Before meetings, write 3-5 bullet points on what you need to say or raise.
Allow processing time
It is fine to say "let me think about that and come back to you" rather than responding immediately.
Proofreading tools
Use Grammarly, Word spell check, or read your message aloud before sending important emails.
📖
Turn on reading mode
Use the Aa button at the top of the page to switch to our dyslexia-friendly reading mode — OpenDyslexic font, wider spacing, and a cream background.