Doubtful About My Dyslexia

Are you ever sure you’re dyslexic but still find yourself wracked with doubt? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast, we hear from Jody in Canada, who stumbled onto the possibility of dyslexia and felt both excitement and fear. Though this realisation has improved his life, he still worries about being “found out” as a fraud. If you’ve ever felt like you’re wearing dyslexia as a secret identity, you’ll want to keep reading.

Jody’s story takes us through the roller coaster of self-discovery: from those “aha” moments (like realising why spelling certain words is so difficult) to second-guessing whether his mind might be playing tricks on him. His biggest fear? Getting tested and learning he isn’t dyslexic—or publicly claiming he is and being accused of imagining it all. Let’s explore this tricky territory step by step.

The Reality of Unofficial Diagnoses

Many adults suspect they’re dyslexic without having an official piece of paper to prove it. The costs of a formal test can be high, or they simply don’t know where to start. But does that certificate define your experience?

Self-discovery often happens in surprising ways. You see a random article, or do an online screener, and suddenly everything clicks. Patterns you never questioned become visible, and it’s both liberating and daunting.

Jody admits he was “good” at school but only in selective areas. Turns out he thrived in subjects where his dyslexia didn’t hold him back and where teachers weren’t around to notice the cracks. An official diagnosis can provide clarity, yet life doesn’t grind to a halt without one. Recognising your strength and struggles is sometimes the biggest clue.

When Doubt Sets In

“I don’t struggle with the word ‘elephant’, so maybe I’m not dyslexic.” That thought might sound familiar if you’ve ever tried “dyslexia checklists” online. Sometimes people expect dyslexia to affect certain words, but the truth is more complicated. Jody finds that “helicopter” and “hippopotamus” are monsters, especially when autocorrect gives up.

He sometimes believes these are normal mistakes or just embarassing slip-ups. But in reality, dyslexia doesn’t come with a neat script—everyone is different. Even remembering small things like left vs. right or bridging words in your mind can become an unpredictable puzzle.

“I also have a serious fear of actually finding out I’m not dyslexic and losing my super power. It’s a lot of ups and downs.”

That doubt can linger for years. Jody worries about publicly identifying himself as dyslexic when there’s no formal document in hand. So you’re not alone if you worry you might be a hypochondriac. The mix of relief, worry, and self-consciousness is real.

Handling the Emotional Ups and Downs

Learning that you’re likely dyslexic can bring a sense of relief. Pieces of your life’s puzzle finally click into place. There’s genuine excitement in finding your tribe and strategies that explain why your brain works the way it does.

But here’s the tricky bit: that old friend called “imposter syndrome” often tags along. It whispers, “Maybe you’re making this up,” or “You’re not dyslexic enough to claim this label.” It’s common to wrestle with whether your identity is valid. You might feel:

• A rush of joy and relief one moment
• Guilt or shame for not recognising it sooner
• Fear of being found out as an impostor
• A longing for outside confirmation

If this is you, know that you’re far from alone. Many of us ride that emotional seesaw after stumbling onto dyslexia in adulthood.

Owning Your Dyslexia Journey

If you decide to pursue a formal diagnosis, that’s fantastic. A report from a professional can help validate your feelings. It can also unlock support at work or in educational settings. If you can’t or don’t want to pay for a formal test, self-diagnosis is still a credible place to start.

Your experiences are real, and your story matters. Dyslexia isn’t a membership club guarded by a bouncer with an official certificate. It’s a neurological difference that’s unique to every individual. You might find:

• Some words feel impossible to spell without autocorrect
• Reading quickly leaves you exhausted
• You think faster than you can type
• Auditory instructions might go missing in your head

Those hurdles are real. Yet there’s a flip side: creativity, out-of-the-box problem-solving, and the drive to keep going when things get tough. By embracing your dyslexia, you also embrace these hidden strengths—even if doubt sometimes tries to steal the spotlight.

A Few Takeaways

• It’s normal to question whether you’re “really dyslexic.” Self-doubt is a common part of the journey.
• A diagnosis can help, but it’s not the only way to confirm your identity. Your lived experience matters too.
• Everyone’s dyslexia looks different. Struggling with “hippopotamus” doesn’t mean you’ll struggle with “elephant.”
• Dyslexia can be a superpower, giving you unique perspectives and problem-solving skills.
• Support from community and loved ones can reduce the fear of being judged.

Ready to dive deeper into Jody’s story and some practical tips on handling dyslexia doubts? Keep listening to the full episode of the podcast at the top of this page. You’ll hear personal insights, real-life strategies, and a healthy dose of encouragement to help you navigate your own dyslexia adventure.

So why wait? Hit that play button, listen in, and discover more about turning dyslexia doubts into confidence.