Scottish
Disability
Team
Dyslexia affects the whole of a person's experience although it doesn't determine the person you are. The issues we have already discussed relate largely to your studies, but you will understand dyslexia in terms of your day-to-day experience.
As you probably know, some of the most ordinary events in your life can have an impact on how you feel and function. This can have a knock-on effect on how you function in your course. The strategies you can use for learning are transferable to the rest of your life now, and will help you enjoy the challenges you will face after college or university.
You might recognise some of the following:
These can all be very frustrating experiences in our lives, they might make us feel unsuccessful away from our studies. Using a diary to plan ahead, rather than just write down appointments, can make a real difference.
It's worth taking the time to make it a habit - your diary will help you take off some of the pressure of always having to remember what you need to do in your head.
We all lose things - it can seem to happen more often if you are dyslexic, especially if you are under pressure and finding it difficult to concentrate.
Sometimes we need to have methodical ways of keeping important items. We need routines.
"That was maybe a problem I didn't previously associate with being dyslexic. I just thought it was this thing that just kept happening to me."
Sometimes difficulties with short-term memory can make you feel embarrassed in social situations.
"This whole thing about being made to feel stupid in social situations. I just assumed that dyslexia was to do with reading and writing and not to do with the general intake of information - I didn't know it was to do with this and your brain processes. It can have an effect in social situations, which is what I have a problem with sometimes - that's the most important aspect for me, I think; losing the thread of a conversation. And, if that happens, your response can be completely unexpected to others - they give you a look, as if to say ..."
Learning to be kind to yourself is important as is having time off with friends you can trust to understand you.
Getting the right information in the right place can take time as you are making sure of what is being asked of you on the form.
You can ask for help in the bank or from administrative personnel - perhaps have a checklist inside your chequebook. It's okay to take your time.
"Knowing I was dyslexic, allowed me to feel a bit more confused, do you know what I mean. Instead of denying it, or something, just allowing myself to feel confused and then just dealing with it."
Remembering to be good to your self is very important. Being well and healthy is also about taking control of your life. Get into a routine and use all your strategies to remind you to relax, eat and rest.
"Going back over your notes, in your own space and you'll just be sat in your bed, going over your notes, before you go to sleep, you're relaxed - it's quite a nice time to be going over your notes. You're relaxed, you haven't got anything else to do, yer pals aren't around, the bar's shut, you haven't any shopping to do - you focus better: that's my creative time."
Next page - Section 8: Stress and self-esteem