7 Things To Reduce The Challenges Of Dyslexia (You need all of them!)

Sometimes we wake up with our dyslexia dialled up to eleven. Words refuse to stay in place, and focus takes a holiday. It’s normal to feel off-balance when these symptoms hit full force. The good news is, there are ways to tackle them one by one.

In the latest episode, I explore seven specific tactics that help me reduce dyslexia’s trickier moments. You’ll hear about little mindset shifts, practical tweaks, and a few life hacks I’ve tested. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in words or missing details that everyone else seems to catch, these approaches might help you find your footing.

The Rollercoaster of Dyslexia

Living with dyslexia can feel like running a marathon before coffee. Some days everything flows smoothly, and you almost forget you’re dyslexic. Other days, it’s like every letter, number, and thought is tangled in your mind.

It’s not all doom and gloom. For many of us, dyslexia comes with a flair for creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. But it helps to acknowledge that there are also stumbling blocks.

“Some days I wake up and it feels like my dyslexia is on high, the challenges, symptoms, issues—whatever you want to call it—they are going full speed.”

This might sound familiar. Here’s how I address those moments when dyslexia feels heavier than usual.

7 Commons Challenges and How I Solve Them

Below are the seven issues I grapple with most often. I’ve also spelled out the specific steps that help me cope and adapt.

1. Overwhelm and Forgetfulness

   My mind races so quickly that daily tasks slip away. I rely on apps like Trello or paper-based to-do lists. Writing everything down relieves mental clutter and ensures I don’t lose track of important details.

2. Spelling Struggles

   Spellcheck is my best friend, but I also try not to rely on it too heavily. Sometimes I practise new or challenging words. I find that reading them out loud helps me feel more confident when I type or write.

3. Time Blindness

   I can get so absorbed in tasks that hours vanish. Using a digital timer or setting hourly reminders keeps me aware of how long things take. It helps me manage time better and avoid rushing.

4. Mixing Up Directions

   Left and right can blur in my head. Simple solutions, like wearing a watch on one wrist, give me a quick anchor. This helps me navigate without constant second-guessing.

5. Sensory Overload

   Noisy environments or cluttered desks turn my concentration off. If possible, I move to a quiet spot or put on noise-cancelling headphones. A calmer space often makes a world of difference.

6. Reading Speed Woes

   I love learning, but my reading pace can be erratic. Audiobooks and text-to-speech apps are fantastic. They level the playing field by letting me listen instead of getting stuck on words.

7. Self-Doubt

   It’s easy to feel like dyslexia is a wall I can’t scale. When that happens, I remind myself of the strengths dyslexia brings—creativity, empathy, the ability to think differently. It lifts my mood and helps me focus on finding solutions.

Recognising Triggers

We each have those nagging triggers that make dyslexia flare up. You might feel extra frustrated in loud spaces or struggle to communicate when over-tired. Identifying those triggers is half the battle.

Once you know your triggers, you can decide how best to handle them. Maybe you block out specific quiet times each day or cut back on screen time at night. These small steps help you feel more in control.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Dyslexia isn’t something to beat. It’s part of how our brains work. Accepting that can ease a lot of tension. Instead of fighting against your mind, lean into the strengths it offers.

Keep experimenting. If old approaches aren’t helping, try new tools or ask friends for ideas. The point is to keep moving forward, even if it’s at your own pace. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but the more you learn about yourself, the better you’ll adapt.

• Don’t be afraid to celebrate small wins.
• Track what works and what doesn’t.
• Remember perfection isn’t the goal.

Key Takeaways

• Breaking tasks down prevents overwhelm.
• Apps and simple tools can reduce day-to-day stress.
• Self-awareness helps you catch triggers earlier.
• Embrace your dyslexic thinking—it’s a gift too.

However you approach it, remember that dyslexia has its bright sides. With the right tweaks, you can lighten the burden and let your unique talents shine.

Want to hear more? Our podcast player is at the top of this page. Give it a listen to deep-dive into these seven tips and discover other ways to navigate dyslexia.

And if you’re keen to learn more about our courses and how we help, visit https://truthaboutdyslexia.com. You’ll find resources, insights, and a supportive community ready to help you unlock your full potential.