The right support can change everything
I still find it hard to understand how, when I was struggling so visibly, teachers could ask me to stand up and read aloud in front of the class.
I was often close to tears. Being put in that position made me feel vulnerable and, at times, like an easy target.
What I needed was understanding, support and the right adjustments for my dyslexia, not situations that left me feeling exposed.
Thankfully, my story didn’t end there.
With the right support, understanding and the chance to recognise my strengths, I’ve gone on to become a speaker, trainer and consultant. I’ve even written my own 7-hour CPD Neurodiversity Champion course, helping others understand and support neurodivergent people.
That journey taught me something important: the right support can change someone’s whole trajectory.
I often wonder what difference it could have made if I’d been understood and supported earlier.
No child should be made to feel ashamed of the way they learn. And no adult should either.
What does “neurodiversity” actually cover?
When people hear “neurodiversity”, they often think of ADHD. ADHD is part of it, but the term covers much more.
Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in how human brains think, learn, process information and experience the world. It commonly includes:
- Dyslexia: differences in how written language is processed, affecting reading, spelling and sometimes memory and processing speed
- ADHD: differences in attention, focus, impulsivity and energy regulation
- Autism: differences in social communication, sensory processing and how someone experiences the world
- Dyspraxia (DCD): differences in movement, coordination and organisation
- Dyscalculia: differences in understanding numbers and maths
- Dysgraphia: differences in handwriting and written expression
- Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders: involuntary movements or sounds
Many people are neurodivergent in more than one way, and every person’s experience is different. Two dyslexic people may have very different strengths and needs.
That’s why the most important step is always the simplest one: ask the person what helps them.
How to support a dyslexic colleague at work
Dyslexia doesn’t disappear when we leave school. Many adults are still carrying memories like mine into meetings, training sessions and performance reviews.
Here are some practical, low-cost ways to make a real difference:
Share information in advance
Send agendas, documents and slides before meetings so there’s time to read and process them at their own pace.
Never put someone on the spot to read aloud
Whether it’s a presentation, a training exercise or minutes, ask first. Offer an alternative without making a fuss.
Give instructions in more than one format
Follow up verbal conversations with a short written summary, and pair written instructions with a quick chat or visual.
Make documents dyslexia-friendly
- Clear sans-serif fonts (such as Arial or Verdana), size 12–14
- Left-aligned text, short paragraphs and plenty of white space
- Headings and bullet points rather than dense blocks of text
- Off-white or cream backgrounds can help some people
Support assistive technology
Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, mind-mapping and spellcheck tools can be game-changers. Make sure they’re available and normal to use.
Allow extra time
For reading-heavy tasks, tests or written reports, a little more time often means a much better result.
Focus on strengths, not spelling
Many dyslexic people bring creativity, big-picture thinking, problem-solving and strong communication skills. Correct errors privately and kindly, and recognise what someone does brilliantly.
Know about reasonable adjustments and Access to Work
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers should make reasonable adjustments. The government’s Access to Work scheme may also help fund support and equipment.
Build a workplace where everyone can thrive
At Sanitas Hub, we help organisations move from awareness to action, so neurodivergent colleagues feel seen, understood and supported.
Our neurodiversity training includes:
- Neurodiversity Champion Course: my 7-hour CPD programme to create confident champions across your organisation
- Neurodiversity Awareness Training: an accessible, practical introduction for teams
- Immersive VR Neurodiversity Experience: helping teams understand sensory processing and inclusive support
- ADHD: Recognise It, Understand It, Support It: a focused 2-hour workshop
👉 Explore all our neurodiversity courses
Want to learn more about dyslexia?
I’d highly recommend Made By Dyslexia, a global charity helping the world understand and support dyslexic thinking. They have free resources, training and inspiring stories for schools, workplaces and families.
Dyslexia is not a lack of ability. Sometimes people simply need someone to see their strengths, understand their needs and give them the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s be that someone.
Warmly,
Christina James
Founder, Sanitas Hub
Registered Mental Health Nurse
