Dyslexic Frustration in Gathering Information, Whether Learning by Reading and Writing or Other Ways
21 January 2006
I’m writing to readers. I’m not dyslexic. But I have people with dyslexia in my family. I don’t truly understand their frustration. Though I try.
I can see the frustration building in the dyslexic. And I know that I can often be the cause. I blindly go about an interaction that ignores the challenges that one of these family members may face and then increase the difficulty for them. When it doesn’t have to be.
It’s not about making concessions, expecting less from those with dyslexia. Not at all. It is about understanding how is the easiest way for everyone to accomplish something.
Here are some examples: Asking for something from a dyslexic or telling new information in the middle of a big long conversation. No follow up, no emphasis on the important things. And then being upset when it isn’t done. You may know what I’m talking about.
A big example is expecting a person with dyslexia to write notes when they should just be listening and learning the big idea. They get so caught up, and usually with frustration, with the writing that they have no idea what the point is. Separate the first exposure to new information and the writing of the information. Even better, write a guide or notes on the information and give it to them. Allow them to learn how they learn best. Lower the frustration for people with dyslexia. And support that way of learning.
This isn’t a way for them to avoid writing and learning to read. Believe me they get enough exposure to words. This makes life easier and probably more enjoyable. And the experience of learning more effective.
It’s actually selfish - make their life easier and productive and you’ll encounter less difficulty too. Let’s make the best use of what we’re all good at.
Reading and writing are just tools. Yes, we live in a world that is very dependent on the written word, but it is just one way of doing things. Not the only way and certainly not the best way. There are other tools that your dyslexic friend may be able to help you learn - which will make your life better.
Nobody has all the answers. We’re all just different. And there are easy and hard ways to approach an interaction. Go for the most effective and the most satisfying. Life is hard enough. Don’t make it worse for no good reason. Find out what frustrates the people you work and live with and stop doing your part. Learn and practice the supportive way to work together. You’ll be surprised.
Stephanie Mundle is the managing editor of http://www.EZAudioBooks.com a website about audio books and dyslexia and literacy
Look at her blog: http://ez-audio-books.blogspot.com
Tags: difficulty, dyslexia, dyslexic, frustration, information, learn, learning, reading, writing
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