Wait…. That’s Dyslexia_ 9 Hidden Signs

Do you ever wonder why you mix up left and right, or why reading leaves you feeling exhausted? If you’ve caught yourself asking questions like these, you’re not alone. In this episode of the podcast, Stephen Martin uncovers nine overlooked signs of dyslexia and explains how they tie together with memory, creativity, and sleep.

Dyslexia isn’t just about mixing letters. Some people feel drained after reading a single email, while others find it hard to remember a checklist unless there’s an emotion or vivid image attached. This conversation explores the hidden clues that might ring a bell for you or a loved one. Read on to learn how dyslexia can affect daily life and discover a few strategies to make things easier.

Recognising the Signs

People often associate dyslexia with reading and spelling trouble. Yet there are quieter signs that pop up in day-to-day routines. One is feeling tired after tasks involving text. Another is fumbling directions, especially left and right confusion.

Some of us blend up words in our minds and then speak them incorrectly. This can be embarrassing when you’re trying to find the right phrase in a crowded meeting. It might lead to social anxiety, because you never quite know when words will slip. These moments can be frustrating, but they’re more common than you’d think.

“One of the things you never expect is to get simple steps out of order when you’ve done them a hundred times before,” says Stephen in the show.

This confusion often hits procedure-based tasks like baking, using a new gadget, or even following a step-by-step list.

The Memory Challenge

Memory troubles come in different forms. Rote memory, which is remembering words or data without context, feels like trying to juggle too many balls without dropping them. If there’s no emotional or visual hook, facts slip away fast. You might study the same phrase repeatedly, only to draw a blank later.

Then there’s procedural memory. It’s meant to help you follow a series of steps, like assembling furniture or cooking a new recipe. In dyslexia, that sequence can turn upside down. The frustration is real when you keep missing a step, so it’s worth seeking new ways to learn.

A great trick is to weave emotion or a personal image into what you’re trying to recall. If you want to remember how to turn on a tricky piece of equipment, imagine a bright character showing you each button. Linking feelings and pictures often helps the memory stick.

Creative Strengths

Despite the challenges, there’s a flip side to dyslexia. People with dyslexia often excel at big-picture thinking and inventive problem-solving. When others see a single option, dyslexics can spot unexpected solutions.

It might seem like a scatterbrain process, but this is what Stephen calls “divergent thinking.” It means you’re wired to explore multiple paths at once. Instead of picking the obvious route, you’re open to new angles and bold approaches.

Many dyslexics channel this creativity into art, entrepreneurship, or just tackling everyday hurdles. When reading or following instructions feels draining, you find shortcuts and creative hacks that others might overlook. Give yourself credit for these skills, because they can spark fresh insights and open doors.

Sleep Woes and Brain Fog

Sleep can be a surprisingly big deal for dyslexics. Some struggle to quiet their minds at night, because racing thoughts don’t switch off easily. Others wake up often and find it tough to get that deep rest everyone raves about. It’s not a small issue, because a lack of sleep adds to next-day fogginess.

When your brain is already juggling letters, memory tasks, and creativity, losing sleep can make it harder to cope. You might feel groggy or irritable, which then affects tasks that are already challenging. Building a good bedtime routine, or trying mindfulness can help. Even minimal improvements in sleep can ease the daily load.

Bringing It All Together

Dyslexia doesn’t have to limit you. It’s about understanding how your brain works and using that knowledge to build practical tools. Whether it’s using illustrations for note-taking, double-checking left and right in creative ways, or giving yourself permission to rest more, these shifts make a real difference.

Don’t forget that a lot of adults with dyslexia also experience ADHD-like traits. That can mean fast ideas, distraction, or hyperfocus on one keen interest. Recognising these overlaps can help you craft a balanced life that leans on your strengths and supports your weaknesses.

If you think you might have dyslexia or you’re seeking tips for someone who does, knowledge is power. There are communities, specialists, and tools out there waiting to help.

• Fatigue from reading and writing can happen daily.
• Mixing left and right is more than a kid’s mistake.
• Rote memory is unreliable without emotional or visual cues.
• Procedural memory struggles lead to jumbled steps.
• Creativity often flourishes when solving problems.
• Pronunciation slip-ups can cause social anxiety.
• Verbal working memory tangles can disrupt conversations.
• Divergent thinking is a valuable superpower.
• Sleep disruption adds to daytime challenges.

These signs may be subtle, yet they speak volumes about how dyslexia influences everyday life.

If this resonates with you, be sure to listen to the full episode at the top of the page. You’ll get direct insights from Stephen on coping strategies, plus a deeper look at how memory, creativity, and sleep interact with dyslexia.

Want to keep the conversation going? Visit truthaboutdyslexia.com for more resources or join our Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia to connect with others on a similar journey.

Give the episode a listen, then come back and let us know what struck a chord. Your voice matters, and we’re all here to find better ways to thrive with dyslexia.