Dyslexia in the workplace

How hard is it having Dyslexia at work?

How do people you work with treat you after they know your Dyslexic?

Does your bosses make a big deal about you having a learning difference?
Do you catch people talking behind your back?

Those are just a few questions that come to mind. There are tons more that impact Dyslexic people in the work place. Its hard enough dealing with our differences, to then have to deal with dumb-ass people making jokes or name calling us. I personally have been impacted by this in the work place. In my career before I went back to college, I was required to write huge investigative reports with no way to proof-read my writing. One of the biggest issues with writing with the way Dyslexia effects me, is I can not proof-read my writing. I see exactly what my mind wanted to write instead of what is actually on paper. Weird, and I'm not sure if other Dyslexic people have that same issue?! Never asked other Dyslexics about that, It would be interesting to find out.

I remember people I worked with saying I heard the boss laughing at what you wrote, he said a 3rd grader could have done better. I even remember being written up for me not being able to write the way they wanted me to write. So here is what I have to say about all those people in my life that laughed and made fun of me. Kiss my ass! 

Friendless

Let me start out by saying that not all dyslexic people are like me, so in no way am I saying all dyslexics are friendless.

Some of my early memories were quite depressing. I remember having birthday parties and my mom inviting her teacher friends kids. Mainly so I would have people to play with. I notice I had trouble making friends and once people found out I was dyslexic, I was labeled short bus. I became really bitter. The friends I had growing up, were one at a time. What I mean by that is, I would have a best-friend for several years and then all of sudden something would happen and back to friendless. I know I am really guarded and even as an adult that hasn't changed. I have one really good friend even now, no one really else. The only other person I am kind of close with is my wife's male cousin. After awhile I started worrying what is wrong with me. I know I'm introverted which I received that trait from my mother. I have always had a hard time being myself and finding people that really liked me for me. I had an even harder time liking me, why would anyone else.

So this is my post about my on-going battle with relational issues and myself. I am grateful that I have a wonderful wife, son, and family.

The Dyslexic Parent

The hardest but most rewarding job there is, being a parent. In the scheme of things I'm really new to being a  parent/father. My son is still a baby, and he is our only child at this point. We plan on a few more, God willing. As a parent I find myself worrying about everything and learning to filter out what are irrational thoughts or stress. It is no secret to anyone that knows me that I have always wanted to be a father, and my love for kids started at a young age. I always found myself a role-model even if I didn't choose to be.

Being a Dyslexic dad I found myself stressing about if my son will be Dyslexic or not. I think about if the rest of my kids will have Dyslexia, since my wife and I plan on having three or four. The odds start to increase, obviously. I found through research that Dyslexia can run in your family. My first cousin has it, my father I believe has it, even though he was never formally tested.

I watch my son's development, which is amazing; how quickly he learns new things is awesome. Sadly, I will not really know for sure until he is four or five years old. I know I want to have all my kids tested since I wasn't really until sixteen years old. I don't want them to have to endure that kind of hardship if they don't have too. Like any other parent out there, you want better for your kids than what you had. I hope the increasing technological developments and new findings in brain research will help them if they do have a learning difference.

I hope my children don't have Dyslexia, mainly because it would make things easier for them. Every parent wants their children to be completely healthy and perfect. It rarely turns out that way, but my wife and I are thankful for having a healthy son.

I know also parenting a Dyslexic son wasn't easy. Not knowing what was going on with me, growing up and into my adult hood. The helpless feeling my parents must have had. I'm sorry for them.