Dyslexia, Different Thinking, and Why Understanding It Matters.

Dyslexia assessment report and learning support.

Dyslexia is one of the most widely recognised learning differences, yet it is still frequently misunderstood.

Public conversations about dyslexia often appear in the news or on social media, sometimes sparked by comments about reading ability or intelligence. Moments like this tend to reignite a familiar debate: what dyslexia is, what it is not, and how easily misconceptions can spread.

Rather than focusing on those Donald Trump debates, it is far more useful to focus on the reality.

Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence or capability. It is a difference in how the brain processes language and information.

According to the British Dyslexia Association, dyslexia primarily affects skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling, but it can also influence memory, processing speed and organisation. These differences can affect people in school, the workplace and everyday communication.

However, dyslexia is not only about difficulty. Many people with dyslexia also demonstrate strengths in creativity, problem-solving and big-picture thinking. These strengths are increasingly recognised across sectors that value innovation and flexible thinking.

Dyslexia and Different Ways of Thinking

According to the British Dyslexia Association, dyslexia primarily affects reading, spelling and processing speed but does not reflect intelligence.

A number Famous People with Dyslexia have spoken openly about being dyslexic, including Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Oliver and Keira Knightley.

Richard Branson has often described dyslexia as influencing the way he approaches problems and decision-making. Rather than relying heavily on written information, he has spoken about focusing on ideas, communication and creative thinking.

Many dyslexic individuals describe their thinking style as visual, conceptual and solution-focused. They may approach problems from a different angle, seeing patterns or connections that others might miss.

When environments recognise these differences rather than viewing them purely as deficits, dyslexic thinking can become a real strength.

My Own Experience of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is also something I understand personally.

I was diagnosed in my late twenties while studying at university. Like many people who receive a later diagnosis, I had spent much of my school life knowing that certain things felt harder than they seemed for others.

Reading quickly, organising written work and processing information under pressure were areas I often struggled with.

At times, some teachers interpreted those difficulties as a lack of ability rather than a different learning style. I was even told by one teacher that I might “amount to nothing”.

Comments like that can stay with people.

However, dyslexia does not determine a person’s potential. It simply means the brain processes language and information differently.

Over time, I began to understand my own thinking style and develop strategies that worked for me.

Today, as an award winning mental health practitioner I run Prior Mindset, supporting children, young people and adults navigating neurodiversity, mental health and emotional wellbeing.

My own experience of dyslexia is one of the reasons I am passionate about ensuring that individuals are supported rather than misunderstood.

Dyslexia and Mental Health

One area that is often overlooked is the connection between dyslexia and emotional wellbeing.

When dyslexia goes unrecognised or unsupported, individuals may experience:

• Frustration in education or work environments

• Reduced confidence in reading or writing tasks

• Anxiety around performance or communication

• Feelings of being misunderstood.

Over time, these experiences can affect self-esteem and mental health.

However, when dyslexia is properly understood and supported, people often experience a significant shift in confidence. Understanding how the brain processes information differently allows individuals to develop strategies that work with their thinking style rather than against it.

Adapting Therapy for Dyslexic Thinkers.

In my work through Prior Mindset, I adapt psychological approaches so they are accessible for individuals with dyslexia and other neurodivergent profiles.

This may include:

• reducing heavy written tasks

• using visual tools and diagrams

• allowing additional processing time

• focusing on discussion rather than written exercises

• adapting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to suit different learning styles

These adjustments can make therapy far more accessible and reduce the pressure that many dyslexic individuals feel in traditional learning or professional environments.

Dyslexia Support for Children and Adults.

Support for dyslexia is not only relevant for children in school. Many adults discover or explore dyslexia later in life, particularly when they begin to recognise patterns in learning, organisation or communication.

People often search for support around areas such as:

• dyslexia coaching

• dyslexia support for adults

• dyslexia support for children

• workplace adjustments and Access to Work support

• strategies for memory, organisation and processing

Understanding dyslexia can be an important step in developing confidence, self-awareness and practical strategies for everyday life.

Dyslexia Resources and Support.

Prior Mindset provides psychological support, coaching and resources for individuals navigating dyslexia and wider neurodiversity.

We also support:

• neurodiversity coaching

• ADHD support

• autism support

• emotional regulation for children.

• Parenting sessions.
  

Alongside clinical work, a growing library of free evidence-informed resources is available for parents, young people and professionals.

A Final Reflection

Dyslexia is often discussed in terms of what people find difficult.

But when individuals are properly understood and supported, dyslexia can also bring creativity, innovation and different perspectives.

For many people, the most powerful shift happens when they move from seeing dyslexia as something that holds them back to recognising it as a different way of thinking about the world.

And in many cases, that difference can become a strength.

I am here for you, when you are ready!

Prior Mindset is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, NHS 111 or emergency services.

With Warm Wishes,

Miss Jerri Prior 

BABCP Highly Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

Registered Social Worker.

Founder, Prior Mindset- Putting Your Mental Health First