My Dyslexic Life - The 'Spelling Myth'

Ever felt that uneasy twinge when someone asks you to spell a word aloud? You’re not alone. In this latest podcast episode, Vanessa from My Dyslexic Life segments the “spelling myth” that often creeps into many dyslexics’ minds. She shows why spelling shouldn’t define us or anyone else with dyslexia and explains how feelings of shame can snowball when people focus on our spelling mistakes.

If you’ve ever agonised over your spelling—especially when reading words off the page—this conversation will bring you comfort. Vanessa’s insights will help you see how dyslexia is much broader than perfect letter placement, and it will encourage you to leave behind the guilt you may still be carrying.

Why Spelling Shouldn’t Equal Intelligence

So many of us grew up hearing that good spelling is a hallmark of being smart. We got red-pen corrections at school, and it stuck with us. Spelling sometimes feels like the public face of what we can or can’t do.

The truth? Intelligence and spelling aren’t the same thing. Dyslexia affects confidence in reading and writing, and for many of us, that’s only one aspect. As Vanessa explains, we can be amazing thinkers, innovators, or problem-solvers, and we might still pause before writing an email, worried about sneaky typos.

“I used to think spelling was the ultimate test of my intelligence. It felt like each wrong letter was a personal failure, but it really wasn’t.” – Vanessa

Spelling is a skill, and like all skills, it can be improved, automated, or outsourced. We can rely on tools like spell checkers and supportive team members—because real excellence isn’t about remembering ‘i before e.’

Cracking The Spelling Myth

Vanessa calls out that insidious belief: if your spelling’s not flawless, you’re not as capable. That belief often takes hold in early childhood, and it can feel impossible to shake.

She reminds us that nobody is perfect, and the same goes for writing. And when you have dyslexia, it’s easy to read your mistakes as signs of stupidity. But that’s not true. Instead, it’s more like you’re trying to put a puzzle together while some letters hop around in your mind.

There are real reasons you might find it tough to spell or recall words. It could be:

• A working memory issue that makes it tricky to remember letter order.
• Phonological processing difficulties that scramble the sounds of words.
• Simple anxiety when you’ve been told to spell quickly under pressure.

None of these reasons reflect on your intelligence or worth. They’re just different ways your brain processes language.

Own Your Dyslexic Strengths

It’s easy to obsess about the skills you wish you had, but dyslexia isn’t simply about challenges. There’s a flip side that many of us forget or downplay. Vanessa emphasises how dyslexic strengths—like big-picture thinking and creativity—are sometimes overshadowed by the negative talk around spelling and grammar.

Instead of feeling embarrassed or apologetic, think about how your dyslexia shapes you:

• You connect dots others might not see.
• You’re often a strong verbal communicator.
• You can spot opportunities where others see problems.
• You might have an awesome memory for stories, music, or patterns.

These skills don’t vanish just because you paused to figure out the “correct” spelling. Build them up so they overshadow any self-doubt when you occasionally slip up on a word.

Practical Ways To Move Beyond Spelling Anxiety

Sometimes the hardest part of writing an email or a text is worrying that someone will judge your intelligence if they see a mistake. Vanessa talks about strategies to feel more relaxed about spelling, from using technology to giving yourself space and time when writing.

Here are some ideas you might try:

1. Use spell-check tools: Whether you’re on your phone or laptop, take advantage of apps that suggest spelling corrections. They’re there to help you, so let them lighten your load.
2. Draft first, edit later: Get your thoughts out. Don’t judge them until you’ve finished. This helps you separate creative thinking from spelling concerns.
3. Read it aloud: Your eyes might skip letters, but your ears can pick up awkward wording or missing letters. Reading out loud also helps slow you down.
4. Phone a friend: If it’s a crucial email, ask a friend or colleague to proofread it. It’s normal to need a second pair of eyes.

These approaches will settle some of that anxiety. You’re likely to feel sharper and more confident when you let go of the endless pressure to look perfect. Remember, your audience generally cares about what you say, not how every word is spelled.

The Bigger Picture: Dyslexia’s Human Side

Dyslexia affects moods and emotions, not just reading or writing. When you carry shame about spelling, it can affect your social life or even career opportunities—because you might shy away from jobs or roles that involve lots of writing.

Vanessa encourages us to shift that mood. Make space for how you feel and accept that sometimes you’re going to have a slip here or there. It doesn’t define you. Realising we don’t have to be perfect has a liberating effect. You can flourish in tasks and roles that play to your strengths, and you might even find new confidence when you decide that “good enough is good enough.”

That’s the beauty of busting the spelling myth. You acknowledge it’s there, you see why people hold on to it, and then you let it go. This change can open new doors while freeing up mental space you can channel into more meaningful pursuits.

• Spelling isn’t a shortcut to gauging intelligence.
• Dyslexia often involves strengths in big-picture thinking.
• It’s fine to lean on tools for tricky words.
• We all make mistakes, so don’t let fear hold you back.

If you want to dive deeper into Vanessa’s take on this, check out the podcast player above. Hear her share personal stories, tips, and that warm reassurance that you’re not alone in any of your spelling anxieties. After all, it’s often the ideas that matter most, not how you happen to type a few letters.

Curious for more? Listen to the full episode at the top of this page or subscribe to My Dyslexic Life on YouTube to keep exploring these topics. It might be the conversation that sets you free from the spelling myth once and for all.