Emma’s Dyslexia Journey – Finding a Diagnosis in Adulthood

In recent years, dyslexia has become more often diagnosed early in life, allowing people to receive the support they need in school. However, for some, dyslexia goes unnoticed until adulthood.

Emma didn’t think about any possible learning difficulties in school or her early years. She simply thought she was more of a practical student than an academic one. She knew she struggled with reading and writing, but used her visual memory to mask her challenges. Her strong ability to memorise words and vocabulary, rather than learn in the more traditional way, meant she was able to brush her struggles under the carpet.

It wasn’t until she was working on a dissertation for her master’s degree that her tutor asked her if she had considered that she might be dyslexic. As Emma had managed successfully so far in her career, she didn’t think of taking a diagnosis any further.

Emma then started working for local organisation City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP), where her manager started to notice some problems with her writing. She would structure sentences in an unnatural order, jump from one thing to another, and take a lot of time to complete written work. This led to a referral to occupational health, and ultimately a dyslexia assessment and diagnosis at the age of 43.

Emma has worked with CHCP, who believe employees should be “appreciated, respected and supported,” for 3 years, and said the support she’s received has been fantastic, in line with their objective of employees ‘being given then chance to shine’ at work. CHCP organised Emma’s assessment with Dyslexia Sparks and have been open to the workplace adjustments and recommendations which were suggested within her dyslexia report.

Since Emma’s diagnosis, her confidence has improved and so has her understanding of the way her mind works. She is now happy to receive support and find ways to make work easier for herself.

Emma is a lot happier to think it wasn’t a lack of effort that affected her learning progress through school and beyond. After spending years masking struggles with computer writing software, she is now pleased to share her diagnosis and is hopeful others reach out and get the support they need for their dyslexia journey. Emma believes:

CHCP has a working relationship with Dyslexia Sparks, referring their employees for dyslexia assessments and ongoing support. Emma calls for other organisations to support staff members with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, allowing them to reach their potential.