Understanding Dyslexia in Adults: How Dyslexia Testing Can Provide Answers
Have you ever found yourself reading the same sentence multiple times, only to realize it still doesn’t make sense? Do you struggle with spelling, writing, or remembering what you’ve read? Maybe you’ve always felt that reading takes more effort for you than for others. If so, you’re not alone—and you might be wondering: Do I have dyslexia?
Dyslexia is often thought of as a childhood issue, but it affects adults too. In fact, many adults with dyslexia go undiagnosed for years. This article is for you if you suspect you might have dyslexia and want to learn more about what it is, how to recognize the signs, and how to get tested.
What Is Dyslexia in Adults?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference that primarily affects reading and spelling. It’s not a sign of low intelligence or a lack of effort. Rather, it’s a difference in how the brain processes written language. Adults with dyslexia often find reading slow or effortful, spelling challenging, and writing tasks frustrating.
Some key challenges that adults with dyslexia might face include:
Slow reading speed: Reading might feel like it takes more time and mental energy than it should.
Difficulty with spelling: Words might get jumbled, or you might rely heavily on spellcheckers.
Trouble remembering what you’ve read: You might finish a paragraph and have no idea what it was about.
Avoidance of reading or writing tasks: Paperwork, emails, or even reading reports can feel overwhelming.
Signs You Might Have Dyslexia as an Adult
If you’re wondering whether you have dyslexia, consider these questions:
🔎 Do you avoid reading out loud? Maybe you worry about stumbling over words or mispronouncing them.
🔎 Do you find yourself re-reading sentences often? Does it take a while to “get” what you’ve just read?
🔎 Do you struggle with spelling, even with simple words?
🔎 Do you feel anxious or self-conscious when writing or reading?
🔎 Have you always felt like reading and writing were harder for you than for others?
If you answered “yes” to several of these, it’s worth exploring further.
Is Dyslexia Neurodivergent?
Dyslexia is often framed as a “deficit,” but from a neurodiversity perspective, it’s simply a different way of processing language. Neurodiversity is the idea that all brains are wired differently—and that these differences are natural and valuable parts of human diversity.
When we view dyslexia through a neurodiversity lens, we see it not just as a challenge but also as a strength. For example, many adults with dyslexia have incredible problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and the ability to see the big picture. They may excel in areas like design, entrepreneurship, engineering, or the arts—fields where innovative thinking and seeing connections others might miss are highly valued.
ADHD and Dyslexia in Adults: Understanding the Overlap
It’s very common for adults with dyslexia to also experience ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD can impact focus, attention, working memory, and organization—all skills essential for reading, writing, and learning. When ADHD and dyslexia occur together, challenges with sustaining attention can make decoding words or remembering what you’ve read even more difficult. Adults with both might find it hard to complete reading-heavy tasks or stay organized with written work. Recognizing this overlap is crucial because it allows for a more comprehensive evaluation and tailored strategies that address both conditions. Effective management often involves a combination of accommodations, executive functioning support, and possibly treatment for ADHD symptoms.
Dyslexia and Autism: Is there a Connection?
Some autistic adults also experience dyslexia or dyslexia-like difficulties, especially related to language processing. Autism can affect how a person interprets and understands language—such as difficulties with inference, figurative language, or reading between the lines—which can overlap with some challenges seen in dyslexia. For autistic adults, these combined differences might make reading comprehension and written expression particularly tricky. Understanding how autism and dyslexia interact helps in creating support strategies that respect both the unique strengths and challenges of autistic adults, including tailored reading approaches and communication supports.
Giftedness and Dyslexia in Adults: The Twice-Exceptional Experience
Gifted adults can absolutely have dyslexia—a combination often referred to as being “twice-exceptional” or “2e.” These individuals may have exceptional intellectual abilities, strong problem-solving skills, and creativity but still struggle with reading, spelling, or writing tasks. Because of their giftedness, they often develop coping mechanisms to mask their difficulties, which can delay diagnosis well into adulthood. However, this can also lead to exhaustion, frustration, or anxiety from constantly compensating. Recognizing giftedness alongside dyslexia is important to ensure that evaluations look beyond surface strengths and provide support that honors both talents and challenges.
Is Dyslexia Testing Worth It for Adults?
Many adults with dyslexia spend years feeling inadequate or frustrated—believing they just need to “try harder” to keep up. Getting tested can be transformative. Getting tested for dyslexia as an adult can bring much-needed clarity—you’ll finally understand why reading, spelling, and writing have felt more challenging than for others.
Beyond understanding, a formal diagnosis can empower you to access accommodations such as extra time on exams, the use of audiobooks, or speech-to-text technology, making daily tasks more manageable. Perhaps most importantly, testing can reduce feelings of shame and self-blame by confirming that dyslexia is a brain-based difference—not a personal failure—offering validation and a new sense of self-acceptance.
How Do Adults Get Tested for Dyslexia?
Getting tested for dyslexia by a licensed psychologist is essential because Psychologists have the specialized training to conduct comprehensive, accurate assessments that go beyond just reading and spelling tests. They evaluate how your brain processes language, memory, attention, and other cognitive skills, ensuring a full understanding of your unique learning profile. Psychologists can differentiate dyslexia from other conditions, identifies co-occurring challenges like ADHD or anxiety, and provides detailed recommendations tailored to your needs.
The dyslexia testing process typically begins with a detailed interview where the evaluator gathers information about your educational background, work experiences, and any challenges you’ve faced with reading or writing. Next, cognitive testing assesses key areas such as memory, processing speed, and verbal reasoning to understand how your brain processes information. Academic testing then evaluates your reading fluency, accuracy, comprehension, and spelling skills. Additionally, many evaluations include screening for co-occurring conditions like ADHD, autism, or mental health concerns, which often overlap with dyslexia and can impact your learning profile.
Where Can I Get Tested for Dyslexia as an Adult?
At Zephyr Care Mental Health, we specialize in neurodiversity-affirming evaluations for dyslexia, other learning differences, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and mental health concerns for adults and children. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your learning profile or exploring co-occurring conditions like ADHD or autism, our evaluations are collaborative, thorough, and strengths-based.
We offer virtual testing for adults and children in PSYPACT states, as well as in-person evaluations at our Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN, locations. If you’re ready to understand your mind—and thrive—we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule your adult dyslexia testing.
Virtual Dyslexia Testing for Adults in PSYPACT States
One of the best things about choosing Zephyr Care is that we offer virtual dyslexia testing for adults in PSYPACT states. This means you can access comprehensive, professional testing from the comfort of your home. PSYPACT states currently include:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. *We can also provide testing to a limited number of clients in California and Massachusetts each year.
Virtual testing is convenient—especially if you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments. Many psychologists focus solely on child evaluations and don’t offer learning disorder testing for adults. At Zephyr Care, we specialize in adult dyslexia and learning disorder testing so that you can finally get the answers you need.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Testing for Adult Dyslexia
At Zephyr Care, we approach dyslexia testing and support in a neurodiversity-affirming way. That means we don’t see dyslexia as a flaw to be “fixed” but as a different way of learning that deserves understanding, support, and respect. Our goal is to help you embrace your unique brain and discover strategies that work for you, so you can thrive in both your personal and professional life. Contact us to learn more.
Author: Heather Joppich, PhD
Dr. Joppich is a Licensed Psychologist and owner of Zephyr Care Mental Health. She specializes in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD, and mental health concerns.
