Dysorthographie.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Dysorthographie.fr a media powered by
the no.1 media on Dys disorders
Do you think you are dysorthographic, but have never been diagnosed? This is the case for many adults who grew up when dys disorders were little known. It is never too late to put a name to your difficulties. Here is how a diagnosis works in adulthood, and what it can concretely bring you. The process is straightforward, and it can really change things.
Many adults wonder what the point is of a diagnosis, since they have finished their studies and have learnt to live with their difficulties. Yet putting a name to what you have been through can be very liberating. You finally understand that it was neither laziness nor a lack of intelligence. This relief is often described as a turning point.
The diagnosis can also have concrete effects. It gives access to targeted rehabilitation, allows you to learn how to use suitable tools, and if needed to request reasonable adjustments at work or within a training course. These supports make everyday life genuinely easier.
Finally, for parents of dys children, it often helps them better understand and support their child. Your own experience then becomes an asset for your child. See the signs in adults.
The process is the same as for a child. Start with your GP, and explain your difficulties with writing, how long they have existed and how they affect your life. Your GP can refer you to a suitable professional.
They may prescribe a speech and language therapy assessment, which will then be reimbursed under the same conditions as for a child. Not all speech and language therapists see adults for this type of assessment: check when booking. Ask whether they see adults before you register.
If possible, bring documents from your schooling, such as old school reports, or recent examples of your writing. They will help the speech and language therapist understand your background. These documents shed light on your journey.
The speech and language therapy assessment for an adult looks at spelling, reading, writing speed, written comprehension and sometimes working memory. It uses tests adapted and standardised for adults. These tests take into account your age and your level of education.
The speech and language therapist is also interested in your history: school difficulties, professional path, and the compensation strategies put in place over the years. In adults, these strategies may partly mask the disorder. These strategies are also valuable for what comes next.
The assessment report states whether dysorthographia is present, its form and its severity, and suggests avenues for support. This document will be useful in your procedures. See the speech and language therapy assessment.
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In adults, rehabilitation is often short and targeted. It aims less at revisiting the basics than at developing effective strategies: focused proofreading, identifying your most frequent errors, tips for homophones and agreements. These strategies are directly useful in daily life.
A large part of the work focuses on digital tools. Advanced spell checkers, voice dictation, word prediction: once well mastered, they profoundly change one’s relationship with writing. These tools are often free or inexpensive.
Some adults also choose psychological support, to work on the shame or anxiety linked to writing. This work can greatly ease one’s relationship with writing. See the spell checker.
If your dysorthographia has a significant impact on your work, the diagnosis may allow you to apply for recognition as a disabled worker, the RQTH. It opens entitlement to workplace adjustments and support. This recognition is confidential.
These adjustments can be simple: correction software, extra time for certain tasks, proofreading by a colleague. They are discussed with the employer and the occupational health doctor. These adjustments are often simple to put in place.
Applying for an RQTH remains a personal choice, and you are not obliged to inform your employer. The decision is yours. See dysorthographia and the RQTH.
If you are returning to study, preparing for a competitive exam or following a training course, the diagnosis may allow you to obtain examination adjustments. Extra time, a computer, adapting how spelling is marked depending on the case. These adjustments restore equal opportunities.
Procedures vary between institutions and exams. Check with the disability service of the university or the body running the exam, well before the deadlines. Plan ahead so you do not miss the deadlines.
The assessment report will be essential for building your file. Keep several copies. See dysorthographia and competitive exams.
Beyond concrete help, the diagnosis often changes how you see yourself. Many adults say they finally felt understood, and that they stopped judging themselves so harshly. This new view of oneself is valuable.
Sharing your diagnosis with loved ones, or even talking about it openly, can also lighten the weight of secrecy. Many well-known people have dys disorders and speak about them publicly. Talking about your disorder often helps you feel less alone.
Associations for dys people and self-help groups can also be a precious resource. You will find listening and advice there. See the associations.
A space for exchange, listening and support dedicated to parents of children with DYS disorders
Yes. A speech and language therapy assessment is possible at any age, on medical prescription, with tests adapted for adults. It is reimbursed under the same conditions as for a child. The process is the same as for a child.
Yes. It helps you understand yourself better, gives access to targeted rehabilitation, teaches you to use suitable tools and, if needed, allows you to request adjustments at work or in exams. The diagnosis often helps you make peace with your journey.
No, it is not mandatory. If you want workplace adjustments, an RQTH can be requested, and you remain free to choose what you share. That choice is entirely yours.
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