By Kathleen Chan
Senior Specialist Psychologist
DAS Assessment Services
Children with dyslexia face various challenges throughout their educational journey. While reading and writing come naturally to their peers, many children with special learning needs struggle to complete schoolwork independently and keep up with lessons in class. They may also find it hard to grasp concepts and retain what they have learnt, despite repetition and feedback from their teachers.
School can be a daunting place for kids with dyslexia, making it challenging for them to sustain attention and motivation to learn. These challenges become more apparent as academic demands increase while progressing through their schooling years, leading to them falling behind their peers.
Children with dyslexia often feel frustrated and discouraged when their academic performances do not match the effort they put in. Given their persistent literacy concerns, parents are also often worried about their future, and career success may seem like an unattainable goal for many.
While adult dyslexics can recount the painful memories of their educational experiences, many have recently come forth to share their successful career journeys. This has brought hope and encouragement to the dyslexic community, challenging the perception that learning difficulties are insurmountable obstacles to achieving career success.
Many are curious to know the secret to their success. Frankly, there is no single formula for career achievement, but there are common qualities and skills that these adult dyslexics possess.
Here are the 4 key things that adults with dyslexia, who have successful careers, commonly share. Every individual with dyslexia should consider incorporating these elements into their toolbox.
KNOWING TALENTS AND STRENGTHS
It is important to acknowledge the limitations that come with specific learning difficulties. However, beyond that, it is also imperative for dyslexics to identify their talents and strengths. Instead of concentrating solely on academic challenges, this approach helps dyslexics develop a more balanced view of themselves.
Adults with dyslexia who have successful careers are aware of their talents and strengths, recognising their deservingness of success. Furthermore, they self-advocate to help others see and value their talents.
Besides talents and strengths, they also capitalise on their passion and personal interests when considering their career pathways. They gravitate toward pursuing jobs that are rewarding, giving them a sense of fulfillment. This also keeps them intrinsically motivated in their career. When passion and interest become the driving forces in the dyslexic’s career, they are more likely to take greater ownership of the work they do.
They build a positive attitude toward work and willingly put in the extra effort. Moreover, they desire to overcome obstacles and find great joy in their successes because they are connecting with what’s meaningful for them.
FOSTERING
A GROWTH MINDSET
Besides talents and strengths, they also capitalise on their passion and personal interests when considering their career pathways. They gravitate toward pursuing jobs that are rewarding, giving them a sense of fulfillment. This also keeps them intrinsically motivated in their career. When passion and interest become the driving forces in the dyslexic’s career, they are more likely to take greater ownership of the work they do.
They build a positive attitude toward work and willingly put in the extra effort. Moreover, they desire to overcome obstacles and find great joy in their successes because they are connecting with what’s meaningful for them.
POSITIVE SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
As mentioned earlier on, dyslexics experience a wide range of difficulties, besides learning difficulties alone. A strong support system provides a buffer to the negative impact of the challenges that the dyslexic experiences. One of the key qualities that help successful adult dyslexics build their continued success was encouragement, which serves as a good reminder of how far they have come. Having family and friends who understand and support them with their weaknesses can help alleviate the frustrations and stress that they experience due to their learning struggles.
References:
Agahi, A.S. (2015). Investigating the strengths of dyslexia in successful adults and university students (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Sheffield, England.
Blake, B.A. (2018). Transforming disability to advantage: A phenomenological study of career success for dyslexics. All Theses and Dissertations. 199.
