What do dyslexia and related conditions feel like?

At certain points in your career you will come across neurodiverse students. It can often be hard to know how to help, or what to do for many reasons including unfamiliarity. Below, I will give you a task that will allow you to walk in the shoes of students who struggle because they are dyslexic and have other related issues.

Task

Instructions
Set a timer to 3 minutes.
Pick up some paper and a pen or pencil.
If the paper is lined turn it horizontal.
If the paper is not lined turn it portrait.
Pick up the pen or pencil with the hand you don't normally write with.

You are going to see a short text and you have 3 minutes to copy it down.
Whenever you see an 'e' write a cross '+'.
Whenever you see an 'a' write a question mark '?'.
Whenever you see an 'i' write an '=' sign.

Ready? Start the timer and begin.

PLEASE COPY THIS:

Some people are light or colour sensitive. Bright sunlight or florescent lights may bother them. Black print on shiny white paper may be uncomfortable and whiteboards may be too shiny. Pattern glare may also be a problem. It may be helpful to have:

coloured paper for writing,
coloured overlays for reading,
tinted lenses in glasses for both reading and writing.

The colours and brightness on computer screens can also be adjusted to suit individual needs.

Task finished.


How did you do? How did you feel? Was it easy or difficult? What specifically did you find challenging? The problems and frustration are common for students with dyslexia. Reading is the most common problem, but writing, memory, and coordination can all present through dyslexia and related conditions.