Struggling with work tasks and don't know where to turn?

Many adults who are dyslexic (or have other associated 'conditions' such as dyscalculia, dyspraxia and ADD/ADHD) are unaware that the challenges they may be experiencing could be related to these 'processing differences'.  For example... many adults may be completely unaware they have dyslexia​  - because their main challenges may not be associated with reading or writing. 

These 'literate dyslexics' are likely to start to experience challenges when they go through some kind of change - such as a promotion, a change of line manager, new job, a change of location or a change in work processes.  The types of challenges are likely to be things like; difficulties with organisation, time management, structuring written communication, effective engagement in meetings....and more.

Ideally, anyone experiencing challenges like this within the workplace should feel comfortable talking with either their line manager or a member of HR however, as   awareness of dyslexia & the associated processing varies from organisation (and from department to department) people are often reluctant to speak out.  

If you are unsure whether to speak to someone we would suggest firstly doing a search via the organisation's website and  internal systems (as this should be fairly straightforward and at this stage you are not mentioning it to anyone).  You may find there are information pages or they may even have an internal support network - but these are currently only available in a few proactive organisations who are leading the way on this.  
​It is important to note that whether to speak out and seek help...or not,  has to be a personal decision based on the information you find out from this initial research.

Those organisations which provide dyslexia-related support to their employees (and therefore are following the Equality Act 2010) are likely to have a recognised process in place for their dyslexic/neuro-divergent employees to follow.  (The organisation's process of support may be accessing support via a preferred private provider or signposting employees to the Access to Work Scheme).   Any process of support for dyslexia and related processing differences would be likely to include;  screening and a Workplace Needs Assessment followed by recommendations for adjustments such as assistive technology & other 'tools' and specialist coping strategy coaching.  These are 'reasonable adjustments' which would commonly be put into place to help  dyslexic/neuro-divergent individuals cope more effectively with their work tasks.

 We fully understand it can be difficult to know which way to turn especially as being dyslexic is stressful and stressful situations can make the challenges worse still and this is especially so for those who have not had access to appropriate tailored workplace support. However it can be useful to speak with someone not linked to the employing organisation - this may be a friend or family member but not everyone is able to do this.  Should you feel you would like to speak with someone independent please do contact us and we will be happy to arrange a quick chat on the phone.