Forgetfulness might be the little-known sign of this lifelong condition (Image: Getty)
If you struggle to remember phone numbers or PIN codes for your bank account, you might not be because you are forgetful. It might be that you’re struggling with a common condition.
, dyslexia can present itself in many different ways. Most would assume it’s linked to one’s ability to read and understand words, which is one of the major tell-tale signs.
However, a few other red flags are more subtle and easier to overlook. Forgetfulness, especially with sequences like phone numbers and PIN codes, could be .
In children, the signs of dyslexia start to become more obvious as they learn how to read and write. .
Along with struggling to master their sounds and letters, they might show signs of having issues learning common sequences like days of the week. They could also develop poor handwriting habits.
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Symptoms vary slightly as people enter their teenage years and adulthood. You may notice some of these if your dyslexia wasn’t picked up as a child:
- poorly organised written work that lacks expression (for example, even though they may be very knowledgeable about a certain subject, they may have problems expressing that knowledge in writing)
- difficulty planning and writing essays, letters or reports
- difficulties revising for examinations
- trying to avoid reading and writing whenever possible
- difficulty taking notes or copying
- poor spelling
- struggling to remember things such as a PIN or telephone number
- struggling to meet deadlines
Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that cannot be cured – instead, people are given tools and guidance in order to help manage it as part of their life. The diagnosis process is fairly straightforward with .
It involves taking part in an assessment of reading and writing abilities with a psychologist. Doctors might also want to look into other areas that dyslexia impacts, such as logical reasoning, memory and more.
If you’re an adult and think you may have dyslexia, you may want to arrange a dyslexia assessment. The . Only a health professional can diagnose you with dyslexia.
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Some people with dyslexia also have other problems not directly connected to reading or writing. These include dyscalculia, dyspraxia, poor short-term memory and ADHD amongst others.
Much of the advice and techniques listed on the NHS website for helping children with dyslexia can also apply to adults too. This includes using specific technology, such as word processors and electronic organisers, to help with writing and keeping track of daily tasks.
Experts also advise that people might want to think differently when making notes or plans – for work or school purposes. The NHS suggests making a mindmap using diagrams and keywords, which are easier to process in dyslexic minds.
If you’re working, let your employer know about your condition as, by law, they are required to make reasonable adjustments to make your life easier in the workplace. – and not everyone will need all of these – but some include:
- providing assistance technology
- giving you instructions verbally rather than in writing
- allowing you extra time for tasks you find particularly difficult
- providing you with information in formats you find accessible