ADULT DYSLEXIA- My partner is 49 and was repeatedly told he was stupid at school?

Question

He left school early and has never sought help or a diagnosis but it's pretty clear he is severely dyslexic.

His spelling is horrendous and he reads/writes at the pace of a snail- I try to encourage him to use Facebook etc but, after having taken 5 minutes to write 3 lines, he just gets angry says he can't be bothered.

He is otherwise a perfectly intelligent and extremely creative man, this is why I think it's dyslexia.

Where can he find help and what are simple things he can do to help himself (I know reading on different coloured paper or usin tinted specs can help but, beyond that, I'm not really sure).

Would our GP be the best person to help him?

Please, PLEASE reply if you have any helpful hints, thank you!!!

Answer 1

He can get audio versions of books and follow along in the printed books as he listens.  That's been shown to improve comprehension in just six weeks.  He can also be diagnosed.  The cheapest way might be to go over to the local community college, if they will do it.  He might have to sign up for a class, but then he can drop it once they give him the testing.  Or he can try www.rfbd.org (Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) and I think they can tell him how to get tested and can provide him books on CD so he can learn through listening.

Why encourage him to use Facebook?  What's the point?  But if you can find something that interests him, he might be inspired to get help.  

BTW, creative people are often prone to dyslexia, they seem to be linked.

No, a GP won't help, you need a learning specialist.  Your GP may be able to make a referral, though.

Answer 2

Check with your local career center (previously known as joint vocational schools)  Most have an adult education center that offers night classes and some offer adult literacy classes. If not they can lead you to the right place. Another source mentioned was the bureau of vocational rehabilitation --if you open a case with them you are eligible for life.  Good luck. A lot more is available today than when your partner went to school.

Answer 3

Your GP can not diagnose dyslexia, the best people would be a Educational psychologist, or one of the trained staff at the dyslexia centres, occasionally a optometrist who has special interest and training in dyslexia can test for dyslexia.

I did not learn to read until I was 14, and failed high school. I learnt I was dyslexic when I was about 30, after my daughter was diagnosed as having dyslexia. After finding out about my daughter having dyslexia, I learnt as much as possible about dyslexia, and found some tips & strategies on how best to support my daughter as school and home.

I used those tips and strategies to go back to school, and gain some qualifications, it has not been easy, lots of tears and perseverance and teacher support, I am now a qualified Youth & Disability support worker, with a special interest in learning disabilities, especially dyslexia.

The Aussie Irlens link shows what dyslexics see when trying to read. My daughter has the Irlens lenses, her first pair were pink, she now has a blue lens, and her hand writing etc is so much better.

Glossy magazines are truly awful to try and read, as is writing on white background paper, to cut the glare and help with reading you could try a coloured overlay, to see if that helps. If he has to read anything let him know it is ok to read take your time to read it, and don't try and read anything heavy when tired, as reading will be more difficult.

When writing use computer with spell check, to check spelling and punctuation etc. Proof read anything for him (I have a friend who proof reads my assignments etc).

Spelling have a copy of the following; see link below

Spelling Rules

Frequently Misspelled Words

Homophones

Frequently Confused Words

Most Commonly Used Words

I find these invaluable, especially the homophones (similar sound words, but different spelling)

My message is that your partner can learn, but he needs plenty of support, from you and teachers, to boost his confidence and self esteem, there are computer programs that help with reading documents, spelling and writing etc.

I hope the links helps with finding someone to test him, and if you want some more information please feel free to contact me.

Answer 4

Im not really sure about an answer except to be tested.  You can have a psychologist do the testing or research testing on line.  There is also an online support group for people living and coping with many disorders such as dyslexia.  Its http://mdjunction.com

This website may have the support and advice you are looking for.  Good luck!

Answer 5

A lot depends on where you live, if it's the u.k.,I'm sure there are lots of places where you could seek help, what about your department of education? I'm trying to find help for a 13 year old who has difficulties with reading also.  Many of the most talented and creative people are dyslexic and with your help and support you will get there too.  Have just been watching a series of programmes on Irish tv about a number of adults who went back to learn to read and write, called "written off", some were grandparents and it was a joy to see them at the end of the eight week course.  Don't take Java man too seriously, his spelling isn't too wonderful either.  Don't give up and the best of luck to you both.

Answer 6

Here's a site that you can buy things to help dyslexics, pretty reasonable prices, or you can get them cheaper on ebay.

There are programs for writing, spelling and other things.

http://www.avko.org/

At the top of the page in green, click on 'materials catalog' and it will show all the things they have that help different problems.

Answer 7

Before one can be called dyslexic, it has to be shown that he was taught to read and didn't learn as everyone else did.  You can go for testing, but what you really want is for him to read better, right?  Check with your local school district to see if they have an Adult Literacy/GED program.  My area also has a literacy council that has programs for adults.  Give this a try and see if that will help.

Answer 8

Hi!

If you think its dyslexia that has your friend slowed down in reading there are several options open to you.  But you need to get informed first.  I recommend looking at The International Dyslexia Association's website.  The site listed below provides detailed definitions from the site, not only of dyslexia, but of other learning disabilities that may appear to others as dyslexia.  This site also has excellent information for adults and dyslexia.  It may also help to look into the group in your area.

Because your friend is 49, just a little older than me, I suggest three possible venues for assistance.

1.  You local LDA (Learning Disabilities Association).  This organization has several centers across the USA.  There is probably one near you.  This group will have staff that will be able to point you in the right direction for assistance locally.

2.  Ruth Worden Frank's "Phonetic Reading Chain" has been known to help people with dyslexia.  This program provides the learner with skills that will help them to read and write.  My mother taught for 30 years and found this program to be one of the most effective for working with people who have dyslexia.  I have listed the site below that promotes this.

3.  I also recommend your states VESID program.  VESID is your states Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.  This oeganization may even provide free testing.  Should he qualify for their services, they will direct you to a number of services you may not currently know of that will assist your friend.

You can ask the doctor to order a series of psychological tests that could define what the learning disability actually is.  This is know as educational diagnostic testing.  The tests also may be covered by your health insurance coverage.

Please let me know if you do try one of the suggestions and how it helps you.

Good Luck!

Paulos,

Special Education Teacher

Answer 9

To be tested, I'd look into his health insurance options through a psychologist, Vocational Rehabilitation and/or your community college's Disability Services offices.    The results can be shared through all of the avenues to help pursue any remedies, including further education.