Is It Just Me? Common Signs of Dyslexia in Adults That Often Get Missed

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:

Why is this so hard for me when it seems so easy for everyone else?

You’re not alone. Many adults quietly live with undiagnosed dyslexia, having developed their own ways of coping, adapting and getting through.

Dyslexia isn’t always spotted in childhood. Especially for bright, capable individuals who find ways to mask the challenges, it can fly under the radar for years, even decades. So, if you’re starting to wonder whether dyslexia could be part of your story, this post is for you.

Let’s explore some of the common signs of dyslexia in adults that often get missed:

Struggling with reading, especially under pressure

You may find reading tiring or slow. Long documents might overwhelm you, or you find yourself re-reading the same sentence multiple times because the meaning just won’t stick. Reading aloud might fill you with dread.

Difficulty with spelling or written expression

You know what you want to say, but getting it onto paper is a different story. Spelling can feel inconsistent and even everyday words might trip you up. Emails or reports might take longer than expected, not because you’re lazy or careless, but because you’re trying so hard to get it right.

Memory and organisation challenges

You may forget names, appointments or instructions unless they’re written down. You might miss deadlines, feel disorganised or frequently lose things, despite your best efforts.

Feeling overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments

Many dyslexic individuals are highly sensitive to sensory overload. You might find it hard to concentrate when there’s background noise or too much going on around you.

A noisy brain that rarely switches off

You may describe your mind as ‘busy’, full of ideas or hard to quiet down. This can be a strength—creative thinking, big-picture ideas—but it can also feel exhausting when you’re trying to focus.

Low confidence or long-standing self-doubt

You might have spent years feeling not good enough, even though you work incredibly hard. Perhaps school wasn’t easy or you were told you just needed to try harder. That internal voice can stick around, even when you’re thriving in other areas of life.

Clever coping strategies that mask the difficulty

Many adults have become experts at managing around their challenges: using voice notes instead of writing, relying heavily on technology or choosing roles that play to their strengths. You’ve adapted beautifully but it doesn’t mean the struggle wasn’t (or isn’t) real.

So… Is It Just You?

Absolutely not.

Many adults go through life thinking they’re somehow bad at adulting, when in fact, they’re navigating the world with an unsupported neurodivergent brain. And the relief that comes from finally understanding yourself from hearing, You’re not broken, your brain just works differently: can be life-changing.

If you’re starting to connect the dots, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you want to explore assessment, coaching or just have a safe space to talk it through, I’m here.

This is dyslexia.

And you are not alone.