Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that usually affects reading and writing skills. Approximately 10% of the population has dyslexia. If someone you know has dyslexia, you can support them in different ways to help them navigate the everyday challenges they may face.

It’s important for everyone to feel in control of their own journey, so it’s always best to discuss with the person how and whether they would like to be supported. Here are some ideas for ways to support someone with dyslexia:

🔍 Educate yourself

Learn as much as you can about dyslexia, its symptoms, and the challenges it can pose. This will help you understand what the person with dyslexia experiences and how best to support them.

🗨 Adapt how you communicate

People with dyslexia often have preferred communication styles, such as receiving verbal instructions rather than written ones. Ask the person what’s best for them, and then try to accommodate this.

🗣 Advocate for accommodations

Depending on their needs, the person may seek accommodations in school, work, or other settings. If they’d like the support, you help advocate for them to receive the necessary accommodations such as alternative formats of information while working or studying, extra time on assessments, or assistive technologies.

🤗 Provide emotional support

People with dyslexia may experience frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem especially if they do not have access to support that could help them. Listen to their concerns, offer emotional support, and celebrate their successes.

It's important to remember that dyslexia affects each person differently. So what may work for one person may not work for another. Always ask the person with dyslexia how you can best help them and listen to their feedback and suggestions.

Read more:

• Dyslexia at a Glance

• Strengths of Dyslexia

• Getting a Dyslexia Diagnosis (UK)

• Support for Dyslexia