Hi, I’m Katie — I’m a therapist, and I have dyslexia.
For most of my life, I’ve moved through the world feeling “different.” Not in a bad way — just… different. There’s this invisible force shaping how I think, feel, and learn. Most people can’t see it — and even more, they don’t understand it. They might assume I read slowly, fumble over words, spell poorly, or simply don’t try hard enough. But the truth is, I’ve always tried — often harder than most.
I remember teachers in elementary school asking if I needed a mirror to read. In middle school, I was told that college might not be the place for someone with a brain like mine — it would be too hard. In high school, I heard classmates joke about a misspelled word or a bad grade by saying, “Ugh, I must be dyslexic!” I remember how that stung. I remember feeling completely and totally misunderstood.
My dyslexia doesn’t define me — but it’s an essential part of who I am.
Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate and even love the way my brain works. It’s shaped how I move through the world, how I connect with others, and how I support people in therapy. I see those who feel misunderstood. I know what it’s like to sit in silence and struggle. I know the anxiety and the heaviness of navigating a world that often wasn’t built with you in mind.
This post is for anyone who’s ever felt like their brain doesn’t work the way the world expects it to. If you’ve felt unseen, unheard, or like you just don’t quite fit — I’m so glad you’re here.
What are Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia?
These are types of neurodiversity — meaning the brain processes, learns, and experiences the world in a different (but not wrong) way. They’re not learning “disorders.” They’re learning differences. They don’t mean someone isn’t smart or capable. They mean the traditional systems around us aren’t always built with these brains in mind. And that’s why awareness, compassion, and understanding matter so much.
What is Dyslexia?
In simple terms: Dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and how we process language, and there are different types of dyslexia. Yes — this is something not a lot of people realize! Dyslexia isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up in different ways for different people. Some folks struggle most with reading. Others with spelling, writing, or even remembering what they just read. Here are a few forms it can take:
Phonological Dyslexia: This is the most common type. It affects how you break words down into sounds. Reading unfamiliar words can be really hard because your brain has a tough time matching letters to sounds.
Surface Dyslexia: This kind makes it tricky to recognize whole words by sight. You might be able to sound out words, but struggle with words that don’t follow typical spelling rules (like “yacht” or “colonel”).
Rapid Naming Deficit: This form affects how quickly you can name things like letters, numbers, or colors. It’s not about not knowing them — it’s that it takes a little longer for your brain to retrieve the word.
Double Deficit Dyslexia: (Hey — this is me!) Some people experience both phonological issues and rapid naming difficulties. That combo can make reading especially tough.
Visual Dyslexia (sometimes debated): Some people describe seeing letters or words that appear to move, blur, or dance around. While this isn’t technically a separate medical diagnosis, many people relate to this experience, and it deserves to be acknowledged.
In real life:
Reading slowly, skipping lines, or losing your place
Mixing up left and right
Struggling to spell, even with common words
Reading something three times and still not knowing what it said
Feeling exhausted after reading or writing
Misunderstandings:People think it’s just reading or seeing letters backwards (it’s not), or that you’re slow. What they don’t see is how hard your brain is working every single time you pick up a book or try to write an email. It’s effort, not lack of it.
What is Dyscalculia?
In simple terms: It affects how someone understands and works with numbers.
In real life:
Trouble with mental math, even basic addition
Struggling with telling time, estimating distance, or counting change
Avoiding math homework or tasks because they bring up anxiety
Needing to re-check numbers over and over
Feeling panic around numbers, even in everyday life (like splitting a bill)
Misunderstandings: People assume you're just “bad at math” or not paying attention. But it’s not a matter of effort — it’s a different way your brain processes quantity and number relationships.
What is Dysgraphia?
In simple terms: Dysgraphia affects writing — both the physical act and organizing your thoughts in writing.
In real life:
Tight or painful grip on a pen
Writing that’s hard to read or inconsistent
Having a great idea in your head but struggling to get it onto paper
Getting stuck trying to spell common words
Anxiety around writing assignments
Misunderstandings: People may think you’re careless or messy. But it’s deeper than handwriting. Dysgraphia affects how the brain turns thoughts into written words — and that’s no small thing.
What is Dyspraxia?
In simple terms: Dyspraxia impacts coordination, movement, and sometimes speech.
In real life:
Bumping into things, dropping stuff, or feeling clumsy
Struggling with sports or physical activities
Difficulty planning a sequence of steps (like cooking or packing a bag)
Trouble tying shoelaces, zipping a jacket, or using utensils
Feeling overwhelmed in noisy or crowded places
Misunderstandings: People might assume you’re lazy, uncoordinated, or disorganized. But dyspraxia has nothing to do with motivation — it’s how your brain plans and carries out movement.
How do I get diagnosed?
You usually start by noticing something feels “off” — in school, at work, or just in daily life. And important to note… You can get diagnosed as an adult — it’s never too late! Diagnosis may include:
Talking with a psychologist or neuropsychologist
Cognitive and academic testing
Looking at your developmental and school history
Feedback from teachers, parents, or others (if needed)
Some people find answers through formal testing. Others discover it by reading about symptoms and recognizing themselves. Either way, having language for your experience is powerful.
What kind of support is available?
Support looks different for everyone. Some common options are:
Therapy to explore how these challenges impact self-worth, relationships, and emotions
Tutors or coaches who understand neurodiversity
Occupational therapy for motor skills and organization
Tech tools (text-to-speech, spell checkers, calculators, etc.)
Workplace or school accommodations, like extra time, alternative formats, or verbal options
You don’t need to “fix” anything — you need the right support to move through life in the way that works for you.
Are ADHD and these learning differences connected?
Yes — many people with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or dyspraxia also have ADHD. There’s overlap because these all relate to how the brain manages tasks, focus, memory, and information. It’s common to have more than one. That doesn’t mean something’s “wrong” with you — it just means your brain is layered and unique.
Do these differences come with anxiety or depression?
Sometimes, sadly, yes — and it’s not because of the learning differences themselves. It’s because of how the world responds to them. Being constantly misunderstood, judged, or dismissed takes a toll. Feeling like you have to work twice as hard to keep up can be exhausting. Therapy can help you:
Process that shame or self-doubt
Rebuild confidence
Find your voice
Learn that you are not broken — and never were
What can therapy look like?
Therapy with a neurodivergent-affirming therapist might include:
Slowing down to match your pace
Offering visual or creative tools instead of just talk
Breaking down goals into small, doable steps
Building self-compassion
Exploring identity, boundaries, burnout, and belonging
Noticing and celebrating your strengths
Therapy isn’t about fixing. It’s about understanding yourself more deeply — and that’s a beautiful thing.
Words Matter: What to Avoid (and What to Say Instead)
Hurtful things people say:
“Everyone struggles with that.”
“Just try harder.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“Oh, I do that sometimes.”
“That’s not a real thing.”
“You’re just lazy.”
Try this instead:
“That sounds really tough.”
“What do you need?”
“How can I support you?”
“What’s a better way to make this work for you?”
“I hear you — this is hard.”
“I believe you.”
One Last Thing…
If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide how hard things are…
If you’ve ever blamed yourself for things your brain struggles with…
If you’ve ever wished someone would just understand…
You are not alone. I get it — literally.
There’s nothing wrong with your brain. The world just wasn’t built with every kind of brain in mind — but that doesn’t mean you’re broken. In fact, what makes you different might just be your greatest strength. The world may see our differences and label them as deficits — but I see my dyslexia as my superpower. I’ve become incredibly adaptable, flexible, creative, and resourceful. I’ve learned to think outside the box and find what works for me because I was never given a box that fit me in the first place.
And that’s the whole point: finding what works for you. Even if it looks different than how others do it, it still gets the job done — and sometimes, it gets it done even better.
You can fly. You can thrive. You can absolutely do this. Don't let the world tell you that you can't.
Ready to Unlock Understanding About Your Brain?
Ready to explore how neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help you understand and embrace your unique brain? The compassionate and experienced therapists at Angel City Therapy are here to support you. Schedule a consultation call today to take the first step towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.
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References and Further Reading:
Understood.org. (n.d.). For Learning and Thinking Differences. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/
International Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Dyslexia Basics. Retrieved from https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/
