Just Been Diagnosed With Dyslexia As An Adult? What Do You Do Now?

If you’ve just discovered you’re dyslexic as an adult, you might be feeling both relieved and a little overwhelmed. Dyslexia isn’t just about jumbled letters—there’s so much more to understand once you have your diagnosis.

In this podcast episode (player above), we explore what an adult dyslexia diagnosis really means, why many people only find out later in life, and how to make sense of the hefty written report that often accompanies your results. Let’s unpack the highlights.

Why Diagnosis Happens Later

Many of us go through school without knowing we have dyslexia. Some of us are told we’re just “bad spellers” or that we need to try harder. When you’re older and start noticing bigger challenges in day-to-day tasks—like filling out official forms—it can be a real shock to learn there’s a reason you stumbled for years.

In the episode, I talked about how missed signs in childhood can surface in adulthood. Sometimes we do everything we can to compensate, which masks the difficulties. Then, work or higher study demands increase, and suddenly, we can’t keep up. That’s often the point where people seek a formal assessment.

The Ironic Brick of Text

One of the biggest contradictions with dyslexia reports is that they’re typically pages upon pages of text. If it’s difficult to read in general, getting a booklet full of jargon feels like a bad joke.

“Why do they give you a paper the size of a small novel when they know reading is not exactly your strong suit?”

Though it can be daunting, this document can give valuable insights. You’ll usually find details on cognitive strengths, areas for development, and practical suggestions. Rather than trying to read it all in one go, you can break it down into sections or ask someone to guide you through the main points.

What Dyslexia Really Means

Dyslexia affects how you process language. It’s not just reading—memory, organisation, and even time management can come into play. That might explain why you sometimes forget things you were told two days ago. Or why you’re constantly scribbling notes to keep track of tasks.

Late diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re behind the curve. It means you’ve probably developed unique workarounds. You might rely on audio tools, voice-to-text software, or colour coding. These are all valid strategies that help you thrive. We also chat in the podcast about finding the support you’re entitled to, like text-to-speech programs or extra time in exams.

First Steps After Diagnosis

So you have your official report. Now what? The best plan is to share it with key people in your life, like your manager at work or close friends who can support you. It might feel vulnerable, but sharing your dyslexia reduces the pressure to keep your challenges hidden.

You’ll also want to:

• Look into workplace adjustments, such as flexible deadlines or assistive software.
• Try new reading aids—like overlays, audiobook services, or text-to-speech apps.
• Stay in touch with others who’ve been through a similar journey (online forums or local groups).

Learning to Embrace Your Dyslexia

Many people discover surprising strengths when they realise they’re dyslexic. You might notice your creativity or problem-solving skills are above average. In fact, some of the most inventive thinkers in history had dyslexia.

It’s also important to remember that dyslexia is a spectrum. You might feel confident in one area (like verbal communication) but find written tasks exhausting. Accepting this variety helps you focus on what you do best, without feeling guilty for not being a master at everything.

Below are a few takeaways from this episode:

• A late dyslexia diagnosis can make sense of long-standing struggles.
• That long report might look scary, but it holds valuable info about your mind.
• Recognising dyslexia means you can tap into supports at work or uni.
• Sharing your diagnosis can bring understanding and lessen stress.
• Dyslexics often have unique strengths—revel in them.

Curious to hear real stories and practical tips for navigating adult dyslexia? Listen to the full episode above and discover how you can use your talents to your advantage. Your journey is just beginning, so let’s walk it together.