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Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in the Workplace
- Carol Railton - Specialist Tutor
- Oct 18
- 3 min read
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
You may be surprised to learn that dyslexia and dyscalculia are not just school-age concerns — many adults discover them for the first time in the workplace, when the coping strategies they’ve built over years start to strain under new pressures.
1. What Are the Signs?
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written and spoken language.
Dyscalculia affects how it processes numbers, patterns, and quantities.
In a workplace context, the clues can be subtle:
Dyslexia | Dyscalculia |
Misreading words or skipping lines in long texts | Confusing numbers that look similar (6/9, 3/8, 12/21) |
Difficulty remembering sequences or multi-step instructions | Trouble estimating time, distance, or quantity |
Writing errors such as transposing letters or inconsistent spelling | Reversing digits when copying or entering data |
Slow reading speed; needing extra time for reports or long emails | Anxiety when asked to calculate on the spot |
Avoiding written tasks, proofreading, or report writing | Avoiding budgeting, invoicing, or spreadsheet tasks |
Strong verbal or visual skills but inconsistent written output | Strong reasoning or creativity but poor recall of facts, dates, or formulas |
⚠️ Caution:
Isolated examples of these are not proof of dyslexia or dyscalculia. Fatigue, stress, ADHD, anxiety, or even visual strain can mimic similar difficulties.
If patterns are persistent and affect work performance despite good effort, it may be worth exploring a professional assessment.
Research Link:
British Dyslexia Association – Signs of dyslexia in adults
University College London – Dyscalculia and numerical cognition research
2. How to Understand If You Might Have Dyslexia or Dyscalculia
You don’t need to self-diagnose — but self-awareness is a good start.
Reflect:
Notice what types of tasks you avoid or dread. Are they always reading-based or number-based?
Keep a short log for two weeks noting what triggers fatigue, frustration, or confusion.
Screen:
Try a free, confidential online screener:
Dyslexia: BDA Adult Dyslexia Checklist
Confirm:
For clarity and workplace adjustments, seek a qualified assessor or psychologist. A formal assessment provides an accurate profile and practical recommendations for work or study.
⚠️ Caution:
Self-tests can raise awareness but cannot replace professional evaluation.
If you suspect either condition, contact an educational psychologist, occupational health specialist, or dyslexia/dyscalculia assessor.
📖 Research Link:
3. What You Can Do — for Yourself or a Colleague
Practical adjustments can make a world of difference:
Use assistive tools: speech-to-text, text-to-speech, Grammarly, dictation, screen readers. Let me know if you would like a list of these emailed to you.
For numbers: calculator access, visual charts, double-checks before submission, time-estimation aids.
Simplify information: short bullet points, visual flowcharts, clear headings.
Allow extra time: for reading lengthy reports or verifying data entry.
Encourage dialogue: talk about learning differences openly — neurodiversity is not a deficit.
⚠️ Caution:
Never assume — ask how someone prefers to receive or present information.
What feels supportive to one person might feel patronising to another.
Focus on collaboration and empowerment, not “fixing.”
Research Link: https://www.madebydyslexia.org/workplace
Made by Dyslexia & EY (2023). The Dyslexic Dynamic: 2023 Report on Neurodiversity in the Workplace.
🧬 4. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Genetics
Both are neurodevelopmental and often run in families.
Studies show heritability estimates of 40–80% for dyslexia and 50–70% for dyscalculia.
Specific genetic markers have been identified (e.g. KIAA0319, ROBO1, DYX1C1), but environment and early experience shape outcomes.
A parent with dyslexia/dyscalculia is more likely to have a child with similar learning traits — but not guaranteed.
Early recognition and support reduce later anxiety and improve confidence.
⚠️ Caution:
Genetic predisposition ≠ destiny.
With the right strategies, environments, and mindset, individuals thrive — often excelling in visual thinking, innovation, and problem-solving.
Research Link: https://tinyurl.com/bdebxc9p
Paracchini, S. (2011). Genetic and neurobiological bases of developmental dyslexia. Neuropsychologia, 49(5), 1145–1152. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2011.02.011
Takeaway
Dyslexia and dyscalculia do not define intelligence — they define how the brain works.
Awareness is not about labels; it’s about access, understanding, and choice.
If any of this resonates:
Talk to your HR or occupational health department.
Book a confidential screening with an Educational Psychologist.
Or simply start the conversation — because awareness begins with curiosity.
Speak with Carol at LearningClubs.com
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