Understanding Primary Dyslexia in Adults: Symptoms & Support

Primary dyslexia, a hereditary form of dyslexia, occurs mostly in males and causes difficulties in reading and spelling. Those with primary dyslexia typically have average or above average intelligence and are able to compensate successfully.

Significance

• According to the Dyslexia Research Institute, about 10 to 15 percent to the U.S. population has dyslexia.

Comorbid Conditions

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often accompanies dyslexia in both children and adults.

Reading Programs

• Adults with primary dyslexia may be able to improve their reading skills through specialized reading programs such as the Davis program. This program was originally designed for adults.

Misconceptions

• Primary dyslexia never goes away and children do not grow out of it as they become adults. Adults with primary dyslexia may struggle to read above a fourth grade level.

Job Accommodations

• In some cases, adults with primary dyslexia may need accommodations at work. Accommodations may include modified equipment, auxiliary aids such as screen readers, modified exams, additional training or alternative training.

Careers

• According to Dr. Linda Silverman of the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development, adults with dyslexia are often visual-spatial learners. They may be best suited to careers involving architecture, art, aeronautics, engineering, computer programming, physics or photography.