For many people, reading is routine. You glance at an email, scan a report or read a sign without much effort. But for others, every line feels like a struggle. Words blur, letters seem to dance on the page or comprehension takes much longer than expected. Even though you may be intelligent and capable, reading feels like a daily battle. This is often the reality of adults living with dyslexia.

In counselling, I worked with Mark (name changed) who described the frustration he felt. “At work, I avoid reading aloud in meetings,” he admitted. “The words move too fast and I stumble. People think I am not prepared, but the truth is I am terrified of being judged. I spend twice as long reading emails as everyone else and by the time I finish, I am exhausted.” His experience highlighted how dyslexia often hides behind effort and shame, even in adulthood.

Dyslexia is not about low intelligence. In fact, many people with dyslexia are highly creative and excel in problem-solving, innovation and big-picture thinking. The difficulty lies in processing written language. Common signs include slow reading, frequent spelling errors, trouble following written instructions and anxiety around reading aloud. On the outside, it may look like carelessness or lack of preparation, but inside it feels like running a marathon with every page.

The inner dialogue often sounds like: Why does this take me so long? Why can everyone else read easily? Am I falling behind? These thoughts can quietly erode self-esteem and confidence, especially in professional settings.

There are ways to support adults living with dyslexia. One helpful approach is using assistive technology. Tools like text-to-speech software, audiobooks and voice-to-text apps can reduce the strain of written communication. Mark began using text-to-speech for long documents, which saved him time and eased his stress at work.

Another effective strategy is breaking reading into manageable parts. Instead of pushing through an entire report in one sitting, divide it into shorter sections with breaks in between. Highlighting key phrases and summarizing in your own words can also improve comprehension and reduce fatigue.

Recognizing dyslexia in adulthood is not about labelling, it is about understanding and finding better ways to work with your brain. With the right tools and support, reading does not have to feel like a battle. Strengths can shine through when the struggle is acknowledged with compassion.

You do not have to carry this alone. Support is available, and taking the first step can change everything. Visit www.drkaranvirsingh.com and book your free 20-minute session today.