Dyslexia adversely affects many children and teenagers during their school years and, if it is not addressed, it will continue to affect them throughout adulthood.
Dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 10 individuals, many of whom remain undiagnosed and receive little or no intervention services. For some individuals who have never been diagnosed, dyslexia is a hidden disability which may result in underemployment, difficulty navigating academic environments, difficulty on the job, and reduced self-confidence.
Dyslexics in the workplace can display a number of characteristics:
The stress associated with tests and exams may lead people with dyslexia to avoid further education and also some types of jobs. They are frequently very bright individuals and their frustration may be worsened by ending up in a boring and intellectually unchallenging type of job.
With specific regard to reading, writing and spelling, adults with dyslexia may experience some of these phenomena:
Many adults with dyslexia hold resentment and disappointment for not having achieved their potential in the workplace and in their personal lives. They may find that they get frustrated at themselves, or blame others for their unhappiness. They may experience bouts of anger and/or depression.
Nevertheless, there are many dyslexics who have overcome their difficulties and lead successful and happy lives. Examples of famous and successful people with dyslexia include Orlando Bloom, Richard Branson, Tom Cruise, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Whoopi Goldberg, John F Kennedy, George Washington, George W Bush, John Lennon, Jamie Oliver, Pablo Picasso and Steven Spielberg.