20 Eye-Opening Truths About Living With Dyslexia

Ever wondered if dyslexia is more than just trouble with reading? You're not alone. In this episode of the podcast (player above), Stephen Martin takes a fresh look at dyslexia and shows how it affects far more than words on a page.

He explores how dyslexia is passed down through genetics, the day-to-day challenges it can bring, and the incredible advantages that many dyslexics don’t even realise they have. If you or someone you know has dyslexia, you’ll see just how diverse the condition can be. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect.

It’s More Than Reading and Writing

Dyslexia often gets reduced to spelling mishaps or awkward moments with a book. But Stephen reminds us it’s more than that. Dyslexia can show up in life tasks like following instructions, managing time, and even juggling multiple daily demands. It’s no surprise that it can affect confidence and mood.

Many people don’t realise that dyslexia is hereditary. Parents sometimes see echoes of themselves when they notice their children struggling with letters at school. This can be a relief because it helps them see that dyslexia isn’t a sign of laziness. It’s a brain wiring difference that can produce positives as well as some headaches.

“Dyslexia may look different for everyone, but we share a core set of experiences that can unite us.” — Stephen Martin

Living with Ups and Downs

Dyslexia can be an emotional rollercoaster. Some days can feel energetic and focused, while other days can feel foggy. As Stephen points out, taking a break or finding a new way to do tasks can help smooth out these ups and downs.

One day, you might have a brilliant insight that feels effortless, like connecting the dots no one else sees. The next day, remembering passwords or writing a coherent email could take more energy. This variation can cause frustration, especially for adults who have set routines and deadlines to meet. It also affects friendships, daily tasks, and even relationships with partners or work mates.

Creative Strengths and Visual Thinking

Dyslexics are often creative problem-solvers. Stephen stresses that many innovative people who think outside the box happen to be dyslexic. It can be freeing to see mistakes or challenges as a chance to learn and invent new approaches.

Visual thinking is another hallmark. Some dyslexics can visualise complex ideas more easily than they can verbalise them. This can show up in drawing skills, mental maps of information, or a knack for organising data into visual patterns. Once you see these abilities as assets, it’s amazing what can unfold.

The Power of Awareness and Community

Awareness is everything. You can’t fix or change dyslexia, but you can learn to accept it and work with it. Stephen highlights how some adults don’t discover they have dyslexia until their thirties or forties, sometimes sparked by a child’s diagnosis. Yet that understanding is key to empowerment.

Connecting with peers who share these experiences can really help. Meeting others who also face the challenges of dyslexia can be a huge validation. It shows you’re not lazy or “less than.” You just have a unique mind that does things differently.

If you pair this realisation with support—like helpful tools or a supportive environment—you can build a life that feels more balanced. That might include using apps, asking for accommodations, or just finding a favorite blueprint for getting through tasks.

• Take regular breaks or “brain resets.”
• Use calendars or lists to organise tasks.
• Find a community where you can share victories and challenges.

Stephen also touches on the blend of ADHD and dyslexia. The two can overlap, adding extra layers—like hyper-focus on certain topics, then struggling to pay attention to others. It can feel chaotic, but it also brings a quirky spark.

Looking After Self-Esteem

It’s easy for dyslexics to develop low self-esteem, especially if they don’t have the right tools or understanding from others. But Stephen points out that real self-esteem growth starts with small victories. Recognise the moments when you use your creativity or heightened intuition. Celebrate them.

He suggests asking yourself: What do I do best? Maybe you’re amazing at seeing the big picture, or you can solve a puzzle while everyone else is stuck in the weeds. Turn these observations into a tool kit of strengths. Share them with peers or mentors so they can help lighten your load on tasks that bring you stress.

The more you acknowledge what you bring to the table, the easier it is to quiet that inner voice that says, “You’re not doing enough.” Dyslexia doesn’t vanish, but it becomes more manageable when you focus on what you can control, rather than what you can’t.

• Recognise your successes—even the small ones.
• Talk openly with friends or family about dyslexia.
• Use creative strategies for tasks that trip you up.

And remember, dyslexia looks different for everyone. Some people excel at art but struggle with deadlines. Others love big-picture thinking but dread everyday admin. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so don’t be surprised if someone else’s methods aren’t exactly yours.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia often runs in families and isn’t “learned.”
• It impacts daily living, organisation, and energy levels.
• Dyslexics can cycle through high and low functioning days.
• Creativity and problem-solving are natural gifts.
• Many dyslexics remain unaware they have it.
• Visual thinking and intuition are common traits.
• Dyslexia lasts a lifetime—it doesn’t fade away.
• Challenges vary from person to person.
• Fast processing can boost intuition, helping in big projects.
• Awareness and understanding are the first steps to empowerment.

Curious to dive deeper? Tune in to the full episode to hear Stephen Martin’s personal insights on how to make the most of dyslexia’s unique traits and reduce the stress it can bring. It’s well worth a listen if you’re someone who wants to thrive with dyslexia, not just cope.