Three Things To Not Say To A Dyslexic

Have you ever found yourself tongue-tied trying to explain what’s going on in your mind? You know you’re bright, and you have so much to share, but your brain decides to take a detour. That happened to me recently, and I realised many of us with dyslexia go through moments like these far too often.

This podcast episode explores how dyslexia affects daily communication. We look at why words can slip away at the worst times and how we can manage those frustrating brain blips. We also chat about how partners, friends, and colleagues can help. If you’ve ever felt like you’re alone in this, you’re not. Have a look at the key insights below.

Understanding the Communication Roadblocks

It’s easy to think of dyslexia as an issue with reading or spelling, but it’s so much more involved than that. Many times we feel a constant challenge when we’re trying to put our thoughts into words. Some days it’s all smooth, and we believe we’ve finally nailed it. Other days our speech tangles up before we even finish a sentence.

These roadblocks aren’t just an inconvenience, they can affect our confidence. We might hesitate to share ideas or speak up in groups. This episode highlights how these bumps can creep into everyday interactions, making it essential to find ways to handle them.

Why the Right Words Slip Away

Have you ever had that awkward moment when you’re in the middle of talking, then your mind suddenly empties? That’s a common dyslexic experience. Our brains work fast, but they’re also juggling many thoughts at once, which means the perfect word can vanish as soon as we reach for it.

"It sometimes feels like words are playing hide and seek with me, then suddenly they appear when the conversation is over."

Sound familiar? In the episode, we explore why that sensation is so frequent and discuss simple steps to ease the pressure, like taking a second to pause or focusing on key words first. Little moments of calm can keep our brains from hitting overdrive.

How to Navigate These Moments

When you feel stuck, it’s tempting to freeze or barrel ahead in a mumble. Neither option is ideal. We talk through better ways to cope, so you can regain control without feeling embarrassed.

• Pause and breathe. Allow a moment for your thoughts to catch up.
• Ask clarifying questions if you’re confused. This can buy time and keep you engaged.
• Keep a few fallback phrases to bridge gaps. For example, “Let me gather my thoughts for a second.”
• Practise ready-made elevator pitches for common questions. This helps reduce on-the-spot panic.

These strategies won’t solve everything, but they can make you feel more relaxed and ensure the conversation doesn’t go off the rails.

Partners, Friends, and Allies

This episode isn’t just for dyslexics, it’s also for the people around us who want to help. Partners and friends can sometimes feel frustrated or helpless when these moments arise. They might not know how to offer support without stepping on our toes.

Healthy communication methods can help you both. Encourage them to listen patiently and avoid jumping in with the right word too soon. Small gestures, like a meaningful nod or eye contact, can give you the confidence to keep going. That bit of extra respect goes a long way.

We also mention how to express gratitude for the support you receive. Saying thank you for a bit of patience can build stronger relationships. Dyslexia can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to isolate you.

Building Confidence Over Time

Daily challenges can whittle away at your self-esteem, but you can absolutely build that confidence back up. We share how trying new communication techniques and talking more openly about dyslexia can shift your mindset. It helps to remind yourself that this is part of who you are and that you can always learn new ways to handle it.

Nobody should feel like they have to fix all these glitches overnight. It’s about taking small steps and celebrating small wins. Every time you speak up, even if it’s a little messy, you’re making progress. Remember, one shaky moment doesn’t define you.

• Celebrate mini goals: Keep track of good conversations or moments where you stayed calm.
• Practice in safe spaces: Trusted friends, support groups, or even therapy settings.
• Use helpful tools: Speech-to-text apps or phone reminders if words often go missing.

Over time, these small wins build up. You’ll learn to trust yourself more. It might still feel tricky, but knowing what’s happening in your brain can give you the upper hand.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia is more than reading and writing. The way we talk and think is often affected.
• Moments of brain fog are common, but you can learn practical ways to push through them.
• Partners and friends: a little empathy can go a long way. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
• Build confidence by celebrating wins, using smart tools, and seeking safe spaces to practise.
• There’s always hope. The hard days don’t last forever if you have the right support.

If you want the full conversation and more real stories around these experiences, make sure you listen to the entire episode. Scroll up to the top, hit play, and hear how you can make sense of those tricky mental moments. You’ll find insights and humour that can help you or those you care about.