Sensitivity Overload For Dyslexics

Ever felt overwhelmed by too many things happening at once? You’re not alone. Many dyslexic people grapple with a swirl of sensations that can make everyday life, from focusing at work to listening in class, a real challenge.

This episode of “The Truth About Dyslexia,” with our host Stephen, dives deep into the sensory world that dyslexics navigate. It offers insights into how they process information, how new ideas link to existing knowledge, and why self-awareness is key to thriving in busy, noisy environments.

The Sensory Overload

Dyslexics often experience the world as if someone turned up the volume on every sense. Background noises tug at their attention. Bright lights feel sharper than usual. Temperature changes can disrupt their focus. This constant flood of stimuli isn’t just annoying—it can overwhelm. It’s like trying to pass a football while people shout instructions, the sun is glaring, and the coach keeps changing the strategy.

As Stephen points out, simply knowing this can be a relief. It helps dyslexics understand that they’re not “lazy” or “easily distracted.” Their brain just has extra tabs open.

“Ever wondered why focusing in a noisy room can feel impossible? You’re not alone.” — Stephen

The Power of Linking Information

When dyslexics come across a new idea, they tend to connect it to something they already know. It’s a dynamic approach that creates strong memory links. But it also means extra mental juggling. You might see them pause in conversation. That’s because they’re figuring out where this new data fits into the bigger picture.

Imagine you’re on a football pitch. You’ve just received a pass and need to decide where to send the ball. You link past plays, current positions, and future moves. That’s the dyslexic brain in action, sorting through layers of context to find the best path.

Working in an Open-Plan Office

Ever tried working with a jackhammer outside your window? Multiply that by ten and you’ll get how a busy office might feel to someone with dyslexia. Open-plan offices, with their ringing phones, chattering colleagues, and constant foot traffic, create big distractions. It’s like your focus is pushed and pulled in different directions every minute.

Noise-cancelling headphones can ease the load. But Stephen reminds us that the real MVP is self-awareness. When you know your triggers—like too much background chatter—you’re better equipped to find solutions. Some people use quiet corners or flexible workspaces. Others take brief breaks to reset throughout the day.

Practical Strategies to Stay Focused

Every dyslexic person is different, but Stephen suggests a few approaches that might help:

• Experiment with your environment: Try working in quieter areas or change lighting to ease sensory strain.
• Use tools: Noise-cancelling headphones or tinted lenses can reduce distractions.
• Take breaks: Short, regular pauses can restore mental energy.
• Talk to others: Share your needs with managers, family, or teachers. You’re not being difficult by asking for a more focused environment.

A supportive workplace or classroom can transform a chaotic experience into a manageable one.

Quick Takeaways

• Dyslexics process loads of stimuli at once, which makes focus trickier.
• Linking new info to familiar concepts helps memory but requires extra mental effort.
• In open-plan offices, self-awareness and the right tools can make all the difference.
• Understanding these challenges fosters empathy and support for dyslexics.

Ready to learn more? The podcast player will be at the top of this page, so feel free to pop in your headphones. Dive into the full episode of “The Truth About Dyslexia” and discover how to support and empower the dyslexics in your life.