Dyslexia
What is it?
Dyslexia mainly affects reading, writing, and spelling. It doesn’t mean someone isn’t smart, in fact, people with dyslexia often think in images or ideas, not words.
Challenges
Difficulty with reading speed or accuracy
Spelling and grammar can feel hard
Getting thoughts down on paper
Feeling frustrated when words don’t “stick”
Gender Differences
Boys are more likely to be identified early, especially if they show frustration, act out in class, or struggle with spelling and reading out loud.
Girls might hide their reading difficulties better, using strong memory or verbal skills to compensate. Their dyslexia may go unnoticed for longer.
Non-binary and gender-diverse young people may experience dyslexia alongside challenges like anxiety or low self-esteem from trying to “pass” in rigid school systems.
👉 Some young people become masters at compensating or masking, which can mean they don’t get help until much later.
Strengths
Strong problem-solving and big-picture thinking
Good with creativity, design, or building
Great verbal skills and storytelling
Persistence and resilience
Important: These are patterns, not rules.