Texting is often the first place where dysorthographia becomes noticeable. A short, instant message, with no readable spell-checker… and suddenly panic sets in. You re-read three times before sending, you hesitate to reply to a group, you end up phoning instead of writing. Yet dysorthographia and short messages can coexist without stress or shame. There are concrete, simple strategies to regain confidence in this form of writing that is everywhere in our lives.
Why texts amplify dysorthographic anxiety
Texts are intimidating for dysorthographic people for one simple reason: speed and exposure. Unlike an assignment handed to a single teacher, a message in a WhatsApp group is seen by ten people. Unlike a professional e-mail that you can polish, a text message “seems” to demand an immediate reply.
There is also the absence of a real spell-checker. Phones do offer autocorrect, but it is often poor or invisible. And then, sending a message with a mistake means exposing it publicly, without the cushion of an institutional setting (school, work) where you expect to be helped.
As a result, many dysorthographic people postpone. They leave messages unanswered for hours. They phone rather than write. They ask someone else to proofread before sending. This behaviour is logical, but it can become exhausting and isolating.
Accepting the reality of texting: spelling is not sacred there
First and most important tip: change how you see texting itself.
A text message is not a “tidy” form of writing. Originally, texts were invented on 9-key phones, without accents and without easy capitals. Texting language meant “lol”, “c u l8r”, “wot u doin”. Even today, with modern keyboards, texts accept far more approximations than an e-mail or an article.
Look at how people without dysorthographia write their texts:
- “are you coming tonight” instead of “Are you coming tonight?”
- “ok im here” instead of “OK, I’m here”
- “no worries it’s fine” without accents or commas
- Emojis in place of whole words
This tolerance exists. You are entitled to it too. Accepting that a dysorthographic text is normal and socially accepted already takes away 50% of the weight.
Practical tips for writing without stressful proofreading
1. Using emojis and symbols
This is one of the best anti-stress strategies. An emoji replaces a whole word, and adds tone (instead of writing “that’s cool” sometimes awkwardly, you put a thumbs up 👍). Symbols and emojis never get misspelt. You even turn your dysorthographia into more cheerful and more readable communication.
2. Keeping messages short
The shorter a message, the less risk of a mistake. “Ok” instead of a full sentence. “7pm” rather than “I’ll be there at seven o’clock”. Short texts are also easier for the recipient to read. It is a double gain.
3. Activating voice assistant when possible
Many modern phones have direct voice dictation (Siri, Google Assistant…). You speak, the phone transcribes. It is far from perfect, but it is a quick alternative that takes the pressure off writing. You re-read quickly and off you go. Digital tools can genuinely change daily life, even in simple messages.
4. Not re-reading three times
This is a common trap. You write a text, then re-read it, look for mistakes, find them (real or imagined), start editing… and 10 minutes later, you still haven’t sent it. Set yourself a rule: two readings maximum, then send. After 30 seconds of re-reading, you no longer see the mistakes anyway, it is neurological.
5. Asking for clarification rather than self-censoring
If someone does not understand your message (even if there is a mistake), they ask a question. That is normal. You are not being judged for it. Exchanging several brief messages is the essence of texting. Writing “can you tell me what you mean by that” is a thousand times better than giving up on the conversation.
Normalising dysorthographia in close exchanges
If you live with people who know you well (family, close friends, trusted colleagues), you can simply be open: “Heads up, I make lots of mistakes when texting, I do my best to compensate.” Often, people respond kindly. And frankly, after the first slightly clumsy message, nobody thinks about it any more.
Valuing strengths rather than focusing on spelling applies to texts too. Are you a warm, creative person who communicates your ideas quickly? That is what truly matters.
Parents: how to support without stressing the child
If you are the parent of a dysorthographic child who is starting to use texts (secondary school pupils, sixth formers), here is what we recommend you do not do:
- Do not read or re-read their texts
- Do not correct them authoritatively
- Do not express disappointment at mistakes
And here is what we recommend you do:
- Show them that you too write clumsy texts
- Remind them that texts are not an exam
- Suggest the tips (emojis, short messages) without imposing them
- Discuss the context: texts between friends = not serious at all; texts to a teacher or an adult = you can re-read twice, that’s all
Help at home should free, not add pressure. Texts are precisely an opportunity to show that writing can be relaxed and fun.
Dysorthographia and professional texts: a different level
Texts in a professional context (with a boss, a client) call for a little more care. But “a little more” does not mean “perfect”. Here is the simple rule:
- A professional text: take 30 seconds more to re-read, check the important points (names, figures, times), then send.
- Do you hesitate too much? Phone. That is professional too.
- Are you really afraid? Draft the message in a notepad app and pass it to a quick AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude…) just for the visible mistakes.
But an important reminder: even people without dysorthographia make mistakes in their professional texts. It is never perfect, and it is accepted.
What if you make a big, visible mistake?
It happens. You wrote “I am too busy” as “I am too busi”… Some options:
- Ignore it (90% of people won’t have noticed)
- Send a short message: “Typo!”
- Resend the corrected message (only if there is real confusion)
Do not send five messages to apologise. Do not write “I’m dyslexic, sorry”. A mistake in a text is just a mistake, like a wrong keystroke. It is human. That’s all.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to make mistakes in texts?
Yes, absolutely. Texts are quick and informal communication. Even people without dysorthographia make mistakes, typos, and use casual language. Dysorthographia does not take that right away from you.
How do I explain to my friends that I make a lot of mistakes in texts?
You are not obliged to. But if you wish, a simple sentence is enough: “I have dysorthographia, so I often type any old how. No worries, you get me?” Most will reply “No problem” and that will be the end of it.
And if my boss receives a text with a big mistake?
Your boss receives texts from everyone with mistakes. Really. If the message is clear (the meaning can be understood), it is not a problem. And if there is confusion, you clarify with another message. That is normal in this context.
To find out more
Official resources:
- Fédération Française des DYS – provides information and practical guides on spelling disorders and everyday compensation strategies.
- INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) – publishes validated research on dysorthographia and coping strategies.
- MDPH (Maisons Départementales des Personnes Handicapées) – can direct you to local resources and adjustments if needed.
