The articles in this series, reproduced from the Compensated Dyslexics Checklist booklet by Chris Cole, provides information about dyslexia and what it means to be a compensated dyslexic. For many, reading this can be the first time they feel truly understood. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need support while reading this, please know that specialist help is available. Refer to the contact details on the Connect section of the website.

About Compensated Dyslexics
Compensated dyslexics are dyslexics who can read and write well enough to succeed in school, further education, and the workplace. Compensated dyslexics, like all dyslexics, possess unique strengths and talents, which include strong problem-solving skills, creativity and innovative thinking.
Quite often, compensated dyslexics do not know they are dyslexic but have a sense of not quite fitting in, not quite understanding how others can do it so easily, especially with study and reading, and may even have a sense of not being good enough. They tend to effectively mask any struggles they have using their efficient coping strategies.
What does 'compensated dyslexic' mean?
It describes 25% of dyslexics who have developed and utilised a variety of strategies to accommodate and succeed within ‘the system. They have adapted to being a neuro-minority in a world that doesn't easily recognise or acknowledge their way of thinking. These individuals are successful, resilient, and resourceful, valuable members of society.
NB: The use of the term ‘compensated dyslexic’ has the more information available for further research.

About this series
Information in this series of articles comes from my experiences as an accountant, a compensated dyslexic, over 10 years of
experience in the dyslexia/neurodiversity sector, and from conversations with other compensated dyslexics.
Not everything written in this booklet will necessarily resonate with you, as there is a diversity in how compensated dyslexics present. In my experience,
dyslexic strengths are consistent among dyslexics; however, | see a wider variance within the challenges of dyslexic thinking. | believe this is due to the development of different compensating strategies by dyslexic individuals, which can be influenced by various factors.
These factors can include:
Amount of parent or adult support during childhood
Your individual executive functioning profile
How long you have known you are dyslexic e.g. whether as a child or later as an adult.
Feel free to get in touch to let me know your thoughts.
| hope you find it useful.
Chris
(she/her/dyslexic)
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