Writing for Dyslexic Readers

 

Have you ever tried to read something in a foreign language? Maybe some words looked familiar, but it was hard to determine what the sentence meant. Maybe the structure didn’t seem to follow the rules you’re used to. Now, imagine having the same problems reading your native language. Today, we’re going to talk about how to write for a special group of readers: people with dyslexia.

What Is Dyslexia?

Before we get to the writing tips, you first need to know that dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading. Some people see words or letters jumbled around. They might see "left" as "felt" or the letter "p" as "b." They may not be able to understand jokes or idioms. Some have a hard time following complicated instructions.¹

Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence. In fact, some of the most successful people in history were dyslexic, including Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, and Roald Dahl.² Dyslexia can’t be cured, but reading specialists can help people cope with the problem. As a writer, you can help too. Dyslexia isn't the same for everyone, but most experts agree that these small changes can make reading easier for many people who have the condition.

Write Short, Simple Sentences

First, write short, simple sentences. Have you ever read a sentence that was so long, you were lost by the end? Many dyslexic readers have that problem all the time. Keep your sentences brief. Use short words. And use a simple subject-verb-object sentence structure.

Keep your paragraphs short too. Use bulleted lists if it makes sense. If you’re writing a list of instructions, break it down step by step, no matter how simple each step might be.

Avoid Abbreviations

Second, avoid using unnecessary abbreviations. Dyslexic readers have trouble keeping track of abbreviations, and avoiding them is actually a good tip no matter who your readers are. In his book Garner’s Modern American Usage, Bryan Garner says overuse of abbreviations "require[s] the reader to refer constantly to the original uses of terms to grasp the meaning. This kind of writing…is tiresome and inconsiderate…."³

In some cases, however, the long form is awkward, or the abbreviation is more popular than the original term. For example, it’s much easier to talk about a product’s UPC than its universal product code. In such instances, feel free to use the short version.

Emphasize Boldly

Third, use bold face type for emphasis or headings. To people who have dyslexia, underlined or italicized words can look like...

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