I have dyslexia, and sometimes people ask me about it. What should I say?

Question

Like they'll ask what it is, and I never know what to say beyond a learning disability that makes it hard to read and write. And other times people ask me why I'm not good at reading/writing, and so I tell them I have dyslexia, and often times they'll tell me that if I did I wouldn't be able to read or write at all. How can I help the people around me understand about dyslexia, without giving them a really long speech?

Answer 1

First of all, people who are genuinely interested in knowing about your disability will listen to what you have to say no matter how long the explanation.  IF they are REALLY interested, that is.  Secondly, do your best to quickly dispel common rumors and misconceptions.  Sometimes, it's easier to tell people what it ISN'T rather than what it is.  I should know, I am deaf and recently had surgery to restore my hearing.  You can either be a source of information or innuendo.  The choice is yours.

Answer 2

Tell them to mind their own business

Answer 3

Say I have a gift of learning diffrently than other people.  Things are more detailed for me.

Answer 4

Tell them, I have a difficult time reading and its just a learning disability, and if they joke on you about it, tell em, I may have a hard time reading, but i can kick your @ss with my eyes closed!!!!

Answer 5

Explain to them what it is in one sentence.  May have to practice that, but I think you could do it.  These other people aren't looking for long answers anyway.

Say you have to learn a differently and takes you longer, but you'll probably pass them up in the long run, further down the line, which you probably will.

Answer 6

if you feel it's their business to know, tell them.  otherwise, change the subject.

Answer 7

My daughter has it with only a few letters that she sees upside down or backwards.  We were lucky that the elementary teacher caught it & she rec'd special help.

I think if you say to others that you just see letters differently than they do and have to memorize what they are that they may understand a little better.

If they don't it is sad that they are not caring individuals, but don't let that bother you.  Be proud that you are learning to deal with this challenge.  You can do whatever you want to do and because others don't understand your problem is no reason for you to feel bad.  You're a winner and so is my daughter - she is a vet tech. and though had to give it up due to an injury she has had her own pet shop and was very succesful at it.  Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 8

I have dyslexia too, and when I tell people that I have dyslexia which a complex disorder, and that dyslexia does not mean I cant read or write, for me it means I have difficultyin reading and writing, and dyslexia affects people in different ways.

Usually most people are fairly good and want to know more, about dyslexia, and how it affects us.

But for the few who insist that dyslexia means we can't read or write at all, I tell them dyslexia does not mean a person is illiterate , it means we have a different way of learning to others.

I also point out that Orlando Bloom, Tom Cruise, Danny Glover, Keanu Reeves and Kiera Knightley are dyslexic and they can read enough to read her scripts.

Answer 9

Would it help to tell them that there are different degrees of dyslexia? Some people have mild dyslexia and some have a severe case. It's the people with the severe cases who can't read and write at all.  Let them know that severe cases are rare and that your case is not like that. I think that what you've been telling people is a perfect response. If they have any other questions let them know that you're not comfortable discussing such a personal issue.

Answer 10

Here is a list of common symptoms with dyslexia