What Actually Is Dyslexia?

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in someone else’s head when you try to explain how you see the world? You might be dyslexic, or you might just be curious about it. Either way, this podcast episode dives straight to the heart of how dyslexia shapes our minds and transforms the way we learn.

In this episode, we talk about why all kids think in a “dyslexic” way until they’re around three or four, how pictures can be a powerful tool for understanding words, the hidden challenges dyslexics face day to day, and why it’s vital for adults to go beyond surface-level solutions. Let’s unpack some of these ideas in a way that speaks to our vivid imaginations and helps us all see dyslexia from a fresh angle.

Kids Under Four: Born to Think Differently

If you’ve ever watched a toddler at play, you’ll notice they don’t rely too much on reading or writing. Young children often learn visually, touching and tasting everything, and forming pictures in their minds before language becomes dominant. It’s a normal phase of development, yet it also mirrors how dyslexics continue thinking later in life.

Instead of relying on letters and sequences, a child may put images together in their head to form meaning. They’ll recognise a cat or a tree well before they learn the letters that make up the words. Many describe this approach as “dyslexic” because it leans heavily on visual cues and non-linear thinking.

This perspective isn’t just a quirk; it’s a valuable insight. When your brain says, “Show me a picture,” rather than, “Spell it out,” you learn to process the world intuitively. It’s no wonder many dyslexic adults are brilliant problem-solvers who think outside the box.

Revisiting That “Picture Says 1000 Words” Thought

You’ve heard the phrase “A picture says 1000 words,” but in the realm of dyslexia, pictures are more than just a supplementary tool. They can be the heart of communication. As discussed in the episode, the trick is to shift our mindset so that pictures become the primary way of conveying meaning.

“When you truly dive into a picture, you’re not just seeing an image—you’re feeling and storing a thousand words all at once.”

Imagine how much more memorable your school days could have been if lessons came packaged in distinct images, stories, or symbols. For dyslexics, this is vital. Rather than struggling to recall connected letters, letting your mind recall an entire image can make language feel natural and accessible.

Overlooked Dyslexia Challenges

Dyslexia isn’t only about mixing up letters, missing commas, or stumbling over words. This episode sheds light on the more subtle issues many adults face, which are rarely talked about.

• Memory Blips: Dyslexics may find themselves forgetting something they heard five minutes ago, only to remember out of nowhere later on.
• Time Management Struggles: Learning how to measure and track time can be difficult when your brain doesn’t run on a linear path.
• Self-Esteem Knocks: Constantly feeling “different” in a world of standardised learning can shake your confidence.
• Organisation Hiccups: Even if you’re brilliant at seeing patterns, putting them into structured notes or following classic routines can be taxing.

These challenges can also be strengths. The very trait that makes you lose track of time might also give you hyperfocus when you’re solving a creative problem. The key is learning to use these differences in a way that fits how your brain actually works.

Understanding the Roots, Not Just the Leaves

Finally, the episode stresses that focusing on how to fix reading or spelling is only looking at the leaves. Dyslexia’s roots lie in how the brain processes information. That means a whole lot of visual thinking, creative bursts, and intuitive leaps. The more we concentrate on these roots, the easier it becomes to support dyslexics effectively.

If you’re an adult struggling to handle your dyslexic traits, it’s worth asking yourself: have I just been trimming the leaves, or am I tending to the roots? Recognising the cause behind your unique thinking can help reframe the way you study, work, or communicate with others. Once you do, it’s like flicking on a light switch. Suddenly, you see the bigger picture and can start making real progress.

As shared in the podcast, you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. You just have a different operating system. Embrace it. Channel the way your brain loves to think, rather than fighting it with traditional approaches that may never feel right.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexic thoughts are picture-based, and young kids operate that way naturally.
• Time management and organisation can be tricky but can also lead to out-of-the-box thinking.
• Hidden challenges like memory gaps or low self-esteem can be turned into understanding and resilience.
• Supporting dyslexia means addressing the root cause, not just reading or spelling issues.

Ready to dive deeper? Don’t miss the full episode at the player above. If it resonates, please like, share, or review it on your favourite podcast platform. And if you’re an adult with dyslexia, take our Adult Dyslexia Quiz to discover more about your unique thinking. It might just unlock the door to stronger self-belief and a brand-new perspective.