Dysorthographia in adults

Dysorthographia does not disappear with age. Many adults live with this disorder, sometimes without knowing it, and have learnt to compensate for it to a greater or lesser degree. At work as in everyday life, writing can remain a difficulty. Here is what you need to know about dysorthographia in adulthood.

A disorder that persists

Dysorthographia is a lasting disorder. Remedial training makes it possible to progress and develop strategies, but the difficulties generally do not disappear completely. In adulthood, they often show up in a more subtle way.

Many adults have learnt to compensate: they avoid certain words, reread a great deal, use tools. But tiredness and stress can bring errors back. Writing often remains more demanding than it is for others.

See can dysorthographia be cured.

Signs in adults

In adults, dysorthographia shows up as persistent spelling mistakes despite a good school record, errors with agreements and homophones, and inconsistent spelling of the same word. Writing is often slow, and proofreading is tiring. Many adults constantly doubt their spelling.

Avoidance of writing, discomfort writing in front of others, and great fatigue after a written task are also common. These signs can have consequences for professional life. They deserve to be taken seriously.

See the signs in adults.

Diagnosis in adulthood

Many adults have never been diagnosed, particularly those who were schooled at a time when dys disorders were little known. It is never too late to have an assessment. The speech and language therapist has tests suited to adults.

A diagnosis helps you understand your difficulties and puts an end to years of doubt. It also opens the door to reasonable adjustments, particularly at work or for exams and competitive entrance tests. For many people, it is a real relief.

See diagnosis in adulthood.

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The impact at work

At work, dysorthographia can affect the writing of emails, minutes and reports. It can create stress, fear of judgement and considerable fatigue. Some adults turn down posts or promotions for fear of writing.

Yet many solutions exist: digital tools, work organisation, workplace adjustments. Recognition as a disabled worker (RQTH) can also make it easier to access these adjustments. Do not hesitate to take advantage of them.

See workplace adjustments and the RQTH.

Tools

Digital tools are invaluable for dysorthographic adults. Advanced spell checkers, speech-to-text dictation, text-to-speech, word predictors: they make it possible to write faster and with fewer errors. Many integrate directly into office software and messaging apps.

Choosing the right tools and learning to use them well makes a real difference. An occupational therapist or a speech and language therapist can advise you. Some employers may fund these tools as part of adjustments.

See spell checkers and speech-to-text dictation.

Support and treatment

A speech and language therapy rehabilitation is possible in adulthood. It mainly aims to develop compensation and proofreading strategies, and to make progress on the most troublesome errors. It is reimbursed on medical prescription.

If dysorthographia has undermined self-confidence, psychological support can also be helpful. The two approaches complement each other. Your GP is the first point of contact.

See support for adults.

Living well with it

Many dysorthographic adults have rich and fulfilling careers. They have often developed valuable qualities: perseverance, adaptability, creativity, ease in speaking. Spelling does not define a career.

Accepting your difficulties, equipping yourself and daring to talk about them helps you live more calmly with dysorthographia. Talking with other dys adults also helps a great deal.

See the shame of writing and associations.