What do you do to overcome dyslexia when studying?

Question

Hi would like to know your experiences of having dyslexia and studying at the same time. What do you do to overcome difficulties?

Answer 1

Oh my goodness I am dyslexic and currently studying, and due to another medical condition the dyslexia is causing me some real issues, I have to do a lot reading for research assignment.

However these are the things that I am currently using, to help a little.

A list of the most commonly misspelt words

Spelling rules such as I before E except after C (I only learnt this a few years ago).

Homophones is handy too, as it is not unusual to confuse similar sounding words such weather/ whether. (Laminate them and keep a copy on the fridge, and a copy to keep in my folder).

Ask teachers to write each paragraph in different colours, so  I can keep track of were I am if copying from the board. (Some teachers were more than happy to do this, other not so).

Class handouts to be on coloured paper, for my daughter and I its a cream or buff colour. I now take coloured paper so my note taker can copy assignments and class notes onto the coloured stuff, which really does help with reading.

For reading text books etc, I use a coloured overlay. When reading I take my time, but at the moment it has been extremely difficult, because after half an hour of reading causes nausea and a mean headache.

I start on assignments as soon as I get it. Most teachers are happy to check on  progress if asked. This year I have asked for one extension for an assignment.

I use a computer to do assignments etc, ensuring I use spell check to keep spelling mistakes in check.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is an excellent computer program which does word processing, and uses speech recognition, that allows you to dictate your work. (My daughter used this program and loves it).

Another is Read & Write gold which I am trying to get, for my self, and I can scan in text books etc, and it will read it to me.

When doing tests/exams, ask if I am allowed to take note paper in with me, if its a multi choice test, ask if I can mark the question sheet, this helps by crossing out the incorrect answers.  Or ask for a verbal exam is done, or for extra time to complete the exam.

Thankfully my lecture is very supportive, and has granted me an extension for the research assignment.  And have only had a few exams, which I passed with very little help.

The link below shows what dyslexics see when trying to read.

Edit;

The coloured overlay comes in different colours, because no person is exactly the same. I know someone who uses a yellow colour which makes me feel sick, but a pink & blue work for me.

This the same for printing out notes etc on coloured paper, I use a cream or a light blue.

Answer 2

I'm not dyslexic but I had a dyslexic flatmate last year.  To help her read she had a coloured sheet of plastic to put over the pages and read through, I think it was a purple colour?  I know that some people say this is just a placebo effect but others swear by it.

Answer 3

well, i have dislexia, but let me say, that it's not exactly complicated, (well as for me ) actually my only complication has been at reading comprehension, cuz i really don't get a lot, well but it also affects sometimes my spelling, so i take a lot time at writting cheking everything so i don't make many mistakes

Answer 4

Get The Books You Have And Get Them Put Onto Tape Or Cd Version.

Answer 5

Work through it, read over what you can't get friends to read a word you can't and proof read your work. Get one of those dyslexia spell checker things.

It depends how dyslexic you are it comes in different levels if your just mildly dyslexic it will be hard but you can make it through however if you are badly dyslexic then you will need to seek support and special kinds of help.