How to Cope With Dyslexia

Dyslexia affects 5 to 10 percent of the population and equally afflicts males and females. A neurological disorder that hinders reading and writing, dyslexia plagues children and adults from every socioeconomic background and race. Learn to cope with dyslexia to minimize frustrations and enhance the quality of your life.

Instructions

1. Understand that there are different forms of dyslexia and varying degrees of the disability. Some people have trouble writing and reading, while others find mathematics is a problem.

2. Learn to organize your thoughts. For students and adults who are dyslexic, use a technique called a "Mind Map" to create structure when writing or studying. Draw a large circle in the middle of a piece of paper with the main topic inside. Extending from the circle, draw lines with circles on the end; place subtopics inside these circles. Be as specific as you need to be in order to have organized thoughts.

3. Pair up with a person who is not dyslexic at school or in the workplace. This person can help you take notes, fill out forms and perform reading tasks.

4. Break up large tasks into smaller projects. Dyslexic individuals become overwhelmed with large, general tasks. Smaller, specific goals are easier to achieve.

5. Ask to take tests orally instead of written. This is a request covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to start working on projects in the morning, as this is when the brain functions at its highest level.

• Be involved in the workplace and at school. People who participate in discussions and get involved retain more of what they learn.