When Automatic Isn’t Automatic_ A Hidden Dyslexic Truth

Ever felt like your mind races through every tiny step of a simple task? If you’re dyslexic, it can sometimes feel like juggling flaming torches on a tightrope. You know something’s off, but you can’t help wondering why your brain just won’t switch to autopilot. That’s exactly what our latest podcast episode explores, diving into the exhausting challenge of conscious compensation when automaticity doesn’t come naturally.

We also look at how this mental load drains the working memory and sends executive function into a tailspin. In this episode, Stephen Martin breaks down fresh ways to understand these hurdles and how you can lighten the mental strain. Below, you’ll get a quick overview of each topic, why it matters for adults with dyslexia (and ADHD), and how you can start making your life easier.

What Automaticity Really Means

Automaticity happens when your brain does something without needing to check every detail. You don’t have to manually think, “Step one, step two, step three.” Imagine riding a bike as a kid. At first, you wobble, stumble, and fall. Then one day it’s second nature. You’re flying down the street without thinking about balancing every inch.

When you’re dyslexic though, that smooth autopilot is slower to develop. Tasks like reading, writing, or even packing a bag in the right order require deliberate, step-by-step thought. That can feel like you’re still riding with training wheels long after others have moved on to bigger challenges.

This gap often makes you wonder if you’re “doing it wrong.” But there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just a different wiring. Recognising that difference is crucial. It helps you spot the mental overhead you’re carrying so you can be kinder to yourself and experiment with better strategies.

Why Dyslexic Brains Struggle With Automaticity

For many of us, the term dyslexia conjures up images of reading challenges. But it’s also about how the brain processes information. Part of the puzzle is that dyslexic brains don’t always form those “set-and-forget” routines easily. A simple activity like tying shoelaces can stay more cumbersome than you'd like.

This constant sense of doing things the long way around can wear you out. It’s not because you’re lazy or lack intelligence. In many cases, you’ve already spent loads of mental energy just getting through each little step. So if you finish a normal day and feel abnormally drained, it’s no surprise.

Stephen Martin sums it up best:

“It’s like having a TED talk in your head while you’re trying to live your life.”

- Stephen Martin

By the time the day ends, you don’t have much stamina left for optional tasks. You may be so worn that your executive function starts toppling, like a line of dominoes.

Conscious Compensation and Its Hidden Costs

So, how does a dyslexic brain compensate? One major way is through conscious compensation. You talk yourself through tasks and force your focus onto each individual step. It’s like reading the entire recipe every time you cook, even after you’ve made that dish a dozen times.

This strategy can work, but it siphons mental energy. There’s only so much capacity before your working memory is overloaded. The result? You’re tired, you forget keys, you lose track of conversations, and you feel like you can’t handle one more question.

As Stephen mentions, once working memory is stretched to the limit, little hiccups become big barriers. This phenomenon also ties into ADHD. If your brain already struggles with attention, adding dyslexia-related steps can feel doubly intense. A simple project can balloon into hours of mental gymnastics.

It helps to know you’re not alone. Many adults with dyslexia develop finely tuned coping habits, but these default approaches can burn you out, leaving you short-tempered or guilt-ridden. Recognising that extra load is the first step to reducing it.

Supporting Executive Function in Daily Life

Although these challenges can be huge, there are practical ways to lighten the burden on your working memory and executive function. Here are a few to consider:

• Use Tools and Reminders: Simple apps or phone alarms reduce the need to remember every detail. Setting them as daily routines can re-create a layer of automaticity.
• Chunk Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break projects into tiny pieces. Instead of aiming to “organise the entire house,” pick one drawer or corner each day.
• Visual Checklists: Keep checklists for recurring tasks, like leaving the house or prepping for a meeting. That frees up mental energy for bigger decisions.
• Mindful Breaks: Give your brain a reset every so often. Even a short walk or quick breathing exercise might clear some mental clutter.
• Share the Load: If possible, delegate certain tasks to friends or colleagues. Sometimes you don’t have to do everything alone.

Small tweaks can reduce the constant effort of conscious compensation. You might be surprised how eliminating one or two steps from your mental to-do list can boost your overall function.

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And if you’re craving fresh strategies, connect with like-minded folks who “get it.” Check out rightbrainresetters.com to join our community, share experiences, and discover new tips to make life less draining.

Final Takeaways

• Automaticity is when tasks happen without conscious thought.
• Dyslexic brains often rely on conscious compensation, which is mentally tiring.
• Constant effort drains working memory and affects executive function.
• Visual aids, routines, and strategic breaks can help restore energy.
• Understanding these challenges leads to empathy and better support.

Before you head off, remember: you’re not failing; you’re navigating a unique brain setup. There’s always a way to work around it, especially when you know the pain points.

Ready to hear more? Hit play on this latest episode (you’ll find our podcast player at the top of this page) for Stephen’s full conversation on dyslexia, automaticity, and being kinder to yourself in a busy world. And if you want to continue the conversation, head over to truthaboutdyslexia.com or join our Facebook community at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. We’d love to hear your stories and tips for keeping that mental energy going strong.