Adult Dyslexia and Anger Issues

Adult dyslexia patients may encounter many emotional issues that are caused by frustration at work places or by social situations. Most studies have confirmed the direct relationship between frustration and anger. There is absolutely no doubt that frustration leads to anger and this is very commonly seen in many dyslexics. Let's explore the relation between reading problems and anger in detail.

Short-term memory, sequencing, perception, and emotions are four aspects of dyslexia. Most dyslexics face one or more of these problems.

Short-term memory: By STM is meant temporary storage of information. The information that is stored here is automatically transferred to the long-term memory if important. Unfortunately, short-term memory is often a problem with many dyslexics. This issue causes difficulties like remembering telephone numbers, other numbers, messages, instructions, people’s names, etc. At the workplace, it becomes extremely difficult for such people to take notes during meetings, follow discussions and instructions, taking messages, etc.

Sequencing: Sequencing includes structuring of information and ideas. This is why dyslexics often encounter problems in learning written languages and copying numbers and words. The issue can cause difficulties like copying words and numbers, following instructions, working under pressure, organizing daily routine. At the workplace, it becomes extremely difficult for such people to file documents, follow instructions, write letters, write articles, structure reports, present ideas, carry out basic tasks, deal with excess pressure, failing to prioritize deadlines, miss appointments, etc.

Perception: Adult dyslexics often find it difficult to read, write, and recognize things. This issue causes difficulties like poor balance, poor posture, clumsy gait, tendency to fall or bump into people and objects, poor handwriting, bad typing, lack of manual dexterity, over-sensitivity, judging distance, carrying out numerals, spatial tasks, planning, organizing, expressing thoughts, organizing daily routine, and social interaction. At the workplace, it becomes extremely difficult for such people to use machinery, enter data, copy figures, remember things, taking messages, using date stamps, keeping paper in order, or carrying things.

Emotions: If diagnosed at an early age, many dyslexic people view this disability positively. However, for others, it may become difficult to accept the disability. This can lead to many emotional pressures like confusion, bewilderment, embarrassment, shame, guilt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, despondency, depression, despair, frustration, and anger.

 The obvious target for victims of the dyslexic’s anger are workplace colleagues and close relatives at home. Mothers and wives of these disabled people are more likely to feel the wrath. In many cases, the disabled sits on his anger during work hours. However, once at home where they feel safe, they erupt and take out all their frustrations and anger. Paradoxically, it is the dyslexics trust in his closest person that allows him to vent out his frustration and anger.

• Good support from family, friends, and colleagues is necessary. It is necessary to listen to them and understand their feelings and emotions. It can be very difficult for them to express their feelings. However, it is very important.
• Always reward the effort. Kind and encouraging words are enough to make them feel good about themselves.
• Help them set realistic goals in their life that are attainable. Enjoy and celebrate each success.
• Encourage the adult dyslexic to participate in volunteer work at charities, churches, and other organizations. This would help them regain a positive feeling about themselves.
• Appointing a good counselor can help these individuals understand their experience and feelings better. The strain that is caused by facing this disability can be difficult leading to low self-esteem. A good counselor can listen to their difficulties, give them unbiased opinion, and help them in daily activities like reading, organization, etc. They help remove feelings of frustration and anger in such people.

So, yes, there is a relation between adult dyslexia and anger. Their reading problems can make dyslexics feel frustrated and they may vent out their anger on anyone who is close to them. All that is required on the part of family and close friends is a little understanding, love, and unconditional support.