Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at Work: Practical Support and Assistive Technology

Prevalence

• Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population (British Dyslexia Association), with 4% severely affected. It is the most common neurodivergent condition.
• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) affects approximately 5–6% of the population (Dyspraxia Foundation), with significant overlap with other neurodivergent conditions.

Both conditions are lifelong, are not related to intelligence, and are classified as disabilities under the Equality Act 2010 (UK) and the ADA (US) when they substantially limit major life activities.

Dyslexia in the Workplace

What Dyslexia Affects

• Reading speed and accuracy
• Spelling and written expression
• Phonological processing (decoding words)
• Working memory (holding information while processing it)
• Sequencing and organisation

What Dyslexia Does NOT Affect

• Intelligence, creativity, or problem-solving ability
• Verbal reasoning and big-picture thinking
• Spatial awareness and 3D visualisation
• Entrepreneurial capability (35% of entrepreneurs are dyslexic — Cass Business School study)