The Characteristics of Girls and Women with Dyslexia

The unique educational journey of individuals with dyslexia can vary widely, and this is especially true for girls and women. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes language, leading to challenges in reading, writing, and spelling. While dyslexics and non-dyslexics share basic eye movement patterns, dyslexics may exhibit distinct behaviors and traits.

Understanding Dyslexia

One key characteristic of dyslexia is an atypical eye movement pattern. Research has shown that when dyslexics read, their eyes tend to jump around in longer distances than those of non-dyslexics, a phenomenon that can be observed through eye-tracking devices. This difference in eye movement is just one of the many unique indicators of dyslexia.

The Biological and Social Context

A genetic predisposition to dyslexia has been identified, occurring equally in males and females. However, girls and women with dyslexia often go undetected or are diagnosed later in life. This might be due to their advanced social skills, which allow them to mask their dyslexia better, compared to their male peers.

Real-life Experiences: Insights from a Self-Identified Dyslexic

I, a person with severe dyslexia, have experienced various challenges that have led me to seek professional help. Here are some of the key signs that have characterized my experience:

Reading Challenges

As a slow reader, I often have to read a sentence three or four times before I truly understand what I've read. This slowness extends to writing as well; at college, I was granted extra time and a computer to assist with my exams due to my extremely slow writing speed.

Distraction and Engagement

The challenges of maintaining focus are a daily struggle for me. In class, I find myself easily distracted, looking around the room and getting sidetracked, which often annoys my teachers. This difficulty in maintaining attention can make learning and classroom environments particularly challenging.

Spelling and Autocorrect

Spelling is an area where I constantly struggle. The autocorrect function on my devices has become my savior, helping me navigate the intricacies of correct spelling. Even simple tasks can be challenging, as I often find myself overreliant on these tools to ensure accuracy.

Mathematics and Counting

Multiplication tables, a common tool used to streamline mathematical processes, are problematic for me. While I'm proficient in counting by fives and tens, the two times table remains a stumbling block. Basic arithmetic operations require more effort and concentration than they do for others, making even simple calculations a challenge.

Reading the Time

At a young age, I found reading the time to be particularly frustrating. As an example, if the time was 2:45 pm, I would say "it's the 9 of the 2," basing it on the position of the minute hand. This unique way of interpreting time has been a recurring sign of my dyslexia.

My sister's attentiveness and initiative in suggesting I get tested were pivotal in identifying and addressing my dyslexia. This experience highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs early on, regardless of gender or age.

In conclusion, dyslexia presents unique challenges for girls and women, and understanding these characteristics can help in providing the appropriate support and interventions. By recognizing and addressing these signs, we can help these individuals navigate their educational and personal lives more effectively.