Dyslexia: How to survive and succeed at work [Paperback]

Dyslexia: How to Survive and Succeed at Work

By Dr Sylvia Moody

Published: Vermilion `Books that Change Lives', Random House 2006

ISBN: 009190708-X (From January 2007, ISBN: 13:9780091907082)

Price: £8.99

Here we have a gem of a book, just what was needed, written for all adults struggling with dyslexia or dyspraxia in the workplace. It is an excellent resource for the mentor, the specialist trainer and the employer. However, its real value also lies in the fact that it is written for and speaks directly to the adult looking for help. It is an essential handbook, full of practical ways of addressing and managing the difficulties. The adults I am working with have found it immensely helpful and I highly recommend it.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section, `Dyslexia Observed', explains the nature of dyslexia and how dyslexia and dyspraxia will manifest at work, using the illustrative cases of James and Gina. Dr Moody has an unusual skill in conveying complex theoretical issues in straightforward and clear language, something the adult with dyslexia will appreciate. The explanation of auditory memory is a good example of this and the adult is invited to complete two short tasks which demonstrate simply and effectively the functions of the memory `controller' and its two assistants, the storage systems of the `mindless' memory loop and the `thoughtful' memory box.

The first section also includes very useful checklists, `Workplace Dyslexia Checklist', `Visual Stress Checklist' and an `Everyday Dyslexia Checklist', helping an adult decide whether an assessment might be appropriate. Comments on the assessment process, both the diagnostic and the `Workplace Needs' assessment, provide an understanding of the nature of a well-executed assessment and how it might take the individual forwards.

The second section, `Improving Skills', provides chapters on Organisation, Reading and Understanding, Speaking and Listening, Writing, and Emotions. Each chapter explores the range of difficulties commonly met at work and provides practical strategies which can be adopted and used. Dr Moody makes the point that it is best for the adult to work alongside a trainer who is an expert in dyslexia, but even if the only help available is `self help', the book enables the adult to develop more efficient skills by setting out worked examples of how to manage an activity. For example, a case study illustrates how to make `order out of chaos'. In the section on understanding the content and structure of text, Dr Moody repeats her earlier description of auditory memory and invites the reader to experiment with different strategies: association, visualisation and dramatisation, in order to improve understanding and recall of writing. Dr Moody moves on to `Speaking and Listening', where she includes comment on interviews and the thorny issue of `disclosure', then to Writing' and the structuring of work documents, and finally to the chapter on `Emotions', where she gives guidance on how to deal with the difficult emotions that often accompany dyslexia: confusion, such as embarrassment, frustration, despondency, lack of confidence and stress. She suggests how a positive attitude can be cultivated and includes a useful relaxation exercise. Each chapter concludes with a summary of `Key Tips' for easy reference.

The third section `Help from the Employer' includes advice on how the employer and specialist training can support the individual. It includes a brief but effective guide which can be photocopied for the employer, and provides information on Access to Work funding and the Disability Discrimination Act with examples of tribunal cases.

A further section looks at items of equipment and specialist software which will support the adult at work. Finally there is a helpful list of organisations offering advice, specialist assessment and training for the adult.

This is the second book in Dr Sylvia Moody's adult dyslexia trilogy. The first book was `Dyslexia: A Teenager's Guide' (reviewed in Patoss Bulletin May 2005) and the third, for students, is to be published in April 2007.

Katherine Kindersley

Director

Dyslexia Teaching Centre, London

I really have found this book to be very helpful and as I am training to be a teacher, it has really helped me to have a better understanding of dyslexia. I found this book to be useful as part of my current job. Some of the concerns raised in the book over dyslexia have answered my questions about why I was not able to do some the things my peers can. It has helped in a practicle way too, as it has given me coping stratagies to overcome my dificulties, reall practicle changes I can make that have had a dramatic result for me.

A very good read (even for those like me who hate reading) for those in the workplace with dyslexia and those who have dyslexic staff, practicale ideas on organisation, note taking, overlays, coloured paper, fonts and font sizes, what's more it's written for dyslexics in double spaced lines, larger text and a clear font - The first book on the subject that practices what it preaches, I didn't feel out of my depth!

Remember that a few simple changes that you make to the workplace for dyslexia will benefit everyone!

I find that I dip into this book a lot
it helps to understand that its not you with
a problem but all those around you!
a very good book to help all those that
are new to the idea of being dyslexic