The Power Of Words For Dyslexics

If you've ever been tripped up by tiny words that seem to float around on the page, you're not alone. I had no idea how big an impact these sneaky words can have until I discovered how dyslexia works in the adult world. Learning about trigger words changed the way I read and write, and it gave me a huge sense of relief.

In this episode, I looked back on one of my biggest “aha” moments: the day I realised that short words — like “the” or “of” — can cause massive confusion for dyslexic thinkers. I also shared a real-life example of how these words pop up, derail our focus, and then vanish before we know what's happened. It's a reminder that dyslexia is often about context, context, context.

What Are Trigger Words?

Trigger words are usually very common, mostly short, and they don't carry a strong visual image. Think about words like “the,” “was,” “of,” or “so.” You see them everywhere, but their meaning can be slippery when you're dyslexic. Because they're so frequent, they can get overlooked in the brain, and that leads to confusion or mental blanks.

When I first discovered dyslexia was the root cause of these reading hiccups, it felt like my mind was suddenly free to connect the dots. It was no longer about “being slow” or “not paying attention.” These small words were tripping me up behind the scenes, breaking the flow of anything I tried to read.

“It felt like I'd found the missing puzzle piece. Suddenly everything made sense.”

The Moment Everything Clicked

For years, I just thought I couldn't concentrate. But one day, after listening to someone describe how common words can act as triggers, I realised I wasn't alone. In that moment, I saw my reading habits in a totally new light.

I'd be reading a sentence, then I'd hit a word like “of” or “is,” and it felt like my brain wanted to skip over it. Or I'd slow down and stumble as though I'd hit a speed bump. This confusion wasn't random. It was consistent with words that lacked a clear picture in my mind. Recognising that pattern made me relax, because I wasn't broken, I just needed a different approach.

Real-Life Example of Trigger Words

Imagine you're reading a paragraph about cooking, and you're excited about trying a new recipe. Everything flows smoothly until you spot “the” over and over. It seems to pop up like a curious cat, distracting you and blocking your sense of direction. Suddenly, you lose focus. You glance back to find your place. You read the line again, but you still can't work out why you're stuck.

That’s precisely what happened to me. My eyes saw “the,” my brain tried to process it, and I ended up pausing. Then I'd reread the sentence, forget the rest of it, and feel annoyed. This confusion triggered a wave of self-doubt that overshadowed the joy of learning something new.

How I Work With Trigger Words

Once I accepted how these words affect my reading, I tried a few practical tricks:

• Highlighting Key Words: If I'm reading something important, I'll underline or say the key words out loud. That way, my brain grabs onto a solid image.
• Making Them Visual: I try to associate a tiny mental image with each trigger word. It's not perfect, but it helps reduce that invisible block.
• Slowing Down Deliberately: Sometimes I'll pause and purposely read short words, so they don't slip through unnoticed.
• Reading in Sections: Breaking text into smaller chunks helps me concentrate. I don't get lost as often if I'm scanning one short bit at a time.

None of these methods completely eliminate confusion. But they do make a massive difference. My reading is far more enjoyable now, and I'm less likely to crash into those invisible barriers. It's like having a map for words that used to leave me stranded.

Why This Matters

Dyslexia can feel overwhelming, especially for adults who went most of their lives not knowing it's a factor. That feeling of being “behind” or “slow” in a group is common, and it's often tied to missing context. Trigger words slip under the radar, so the reader doesn't know where they lost their footing.

By knowing how they work, you can arm yourself with strategies that give you control over your reading pace. You can also explain to others that dyslexia isn't laziness or carelessness. It's just a different way of processing language. There's huge power in naming the trouble spot and taking steps to solve it, so you're not stuck in the loop of frustration.

• Dyslexia is Not a Limitation: It's a different style of thinking, and you can learn ways to adapt.
• Trigger Words Are Everywhere: Recognising them helps you stay calm instead of feeling “stupid” or “forgetful.”
• Simple Strategies Count: Highlighting, breaking text apart, and visual associations go a long way.
• Self-Awareness Paves the Way: Understanding why you stumble helps you manage your focus and keep reading with less stress.

Final Takeaways:

• Common words can trigger confusion if they lack a strong mental image.
• Recognising these trigger words is a vital step toward smoother reading.
• Practical tips like highlighting and visualising short words can help.
• Be kinder to yourself. It's not laziness. It's dyslexia in action.

If you want to dive deeper, the full episode is waiting for you at the top of the page. Give it a listen, and let me know if anything resonates with your dyslexia journey.