Dyslexia at Work: How to Ask for the Support You Need

The Problem: Why Asking for Help Feels So Hard

Picture this: You walk into work feeling foggy, and your boss asks, “How can I help you with dyslexia?”

You freeze. Not because you don’t need help—but because you’re not sure how to explain what you need.

This is exactly what happened to Jenny, a creative professional from Brighton. She knew her dyslexia made certain tasks at work harder, but when it came time to ask for support, she felt stuck. The result? She stayed quiet and struggled on her own.

For many dyslexics, asking for help can feel like trying to untangle a giant knot. You might know you’re overwhelmed—whether juggling intricate details or processing large amounts of information—but pinpointing how others can assist you is a whole different challenge.

This isn’t about a lack of capability. Dyslexics often excel at big-picture thinking and creative problem-solving. The tricky part? Breaking challenges into actionable steps and identifying specific ways others can help.

Without clarity, it’s easy to feel stuck. But the good news is, small changes can make a big difference.

Start Small with Specific Requests

Here’s the trick: focus on one or two specific challenges and start there.

Instead of trying to fix everything at once, zoom in on the adjustments that would immediately impact your day-to-day tasks.

Examples of Small, Specific Requests:

• Struggle to retain information? Ask for written summaries of meetings or instructions.

• Feel overwhelmed by organizing tasks? Request a step-by-step breakdown or visual timeline.

• Have trouble keeping up with fast-paced discussions? Suggest using collaborative tools like shared documents for notes.

Starting with small, actionable requests not only makes the conversation less daunting but also helps others provide support in a way that’s truly helpful.

Asking for Help Shows Strength

Asking for help doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you proactive.

When you’re open about your challenges and clear about your needs, you’re empowering yourself to thrive. Being specific about the support you require not only improves your work experience but also demonstrates that you’re resourceful and solution-oriented.

Small adjustments can lead to big changes in your productivity, confidence, and overall job satisfaction.

Your strengths and challenges go hand in hand—let’s make sure you’re set up for success!

Want more insights like this?

We dive deeper into navigating workplace challenges with dyslexia on our podcast. Tune in for actionable tips and real-life stories to help you advocate for the support you deserve.