study tips for dyslexia

If you have dyslexia, stop trying to study like everyone else. It’s not going to work.

Your brain is wired differently, so you need to study differently. The usual advice—"just reread it," "take more notes"—is useless when words feel like they're swimming on the page. You need methods that play to your strengths.

Use More Than Your Eyes

Your brain has a hard time connecting the words it sees with the sounds of language. So, force the connection by using more of your senses. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a way to build stronger connections in your brain.

• Read it, Say it, Hear it: Use text-to-speech (TTS) software. Highlight the text and have your computer read it out loud while you follow along. You’re getting the info through your eyes and ears at the same time, which takes the pressure off of decoding every single word.
• Use your hands: Don't just type notes. Actually feel the letters. Trace them on sandpaper or in a sand tray while you say the sound. Use magnetic letters to physically build words. It feels silly, but connecting a physical movement to a letter helps it stick.
• Talk it through: Explain the topic to a friend. Hearing yourself say the ideas out loud forces you to process them in a new way. You can even record yourself reading your notes and listen to them later.

Break Up the Wall of Text

Long, dense paragraphs are the enemy. So break them into pieces.

I remember trying to study for a history exam in my dorm room. It was 4:17 PM, the sun was hitting my 2011 Honda Civic just right, and I was staring at a chapter that looked like an unreadable block of ink. I gave up, grabbed a stack of index cards, and wrote one idea on each card. Then I laid them all out on the floor and started grouping them. Suddenly, I could see how the ideas connected. I wasn't just reading; I was organizing.

Use highlighters, but have a system—yellow for key terms, pink for main ideas. Turn your notes into diagrams, mind maps, or flowcharts.

Find the Right Tools

Lean on technology that's built to help.

• Speech-to-Text: If writing is a slog, just talk. Use dictation software to get your ideas down without getting stuck on spelling. It’s perfect for brainstorming an essay.
• Reading Pens: These are devices that scan printed text and read it out loud for you.
• Focus Apps: Time management can be a mess. An app can help you break study sessions into smaller blocks. Using a focus timer (like the one in apps such as Trider) for specific, small tasks keeps you from getting overwhelmed by the big picture.

Stop Cramming. Plan Instead.

Cramming is a disaster if you're dyslexic. Your brain needs more time to process information. Last-minute panic sessions just don't work.

• Chunk your work: Break big assignments into small pieces. Don't just write "study for biology" on your to-do list. Make it "read pages 12-15," "make flashcards for key terms," and "explain the Krebs cycle to my roommate."
• Block out your time: Use a calendar to schedule study sessions like they're appointments. And be realistic about how long things will actually take. A 25-minute focused session with a 5-minute break works better than a two-hour marathon.
• Find a good workspace: Your study space should be clear of distractions. Keep it organized. Good lighting helps. If you need to move around, try walking or sitting on an exercise ball while you review your notes.