Dyslexia in adulthood: challenges, barriers and enablers

This presentation aims to set the context for the symposium Dyslexia in adulthood: Challenges, Barriers and Enablers by providing an overview of research and practice relating to Dyslexia in adulthood. A synthesis of the existing evidence documenting the challenges encountered across a range of contexts (e.g. education. social) will be discussed to help identify barriers and enablers to success. The socio-emotional dimension will also be examined and the importance of adaptive coping strategies and resilience discussed. A cross-disciplinary literature review allowed identification of research relating to Dyslexia in adulthood. Only peer-reviewed, quantitative and qualitative papers were included and the main criteria for inclusion were that the study focused on Dyslexia in adults. A systematic search was conducted on a number of databases: EMBASE, PsychLIT, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Dyslexia impacts negatively upon self-esteem, socio-emotional well-being, relationships, education and career choice. Positive experiences concerning the identification of their dyslexia, successful intervention and support were found. The relative benefits of quantitative and qualitative methods were examined and the immense insights offered by qualitative data recognised. Future research would benefit from adopting both a longitudinal and mixed methods approach to further inform understanding of the barrier and enablers to success experienced by adults with dyslexia.