Adults with dyslexia: A snapshot of the demands on adulthood in Australia

Shae Wissell, Leila Karimi and Tanya Serry

Published in the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties

Abstract

This study explored the educational and employment profiles and the psychosocial well-being of 65 Australian adults with dyslexia. Participants were also asked about their age at diagnosis of dyslexia. These domains have been understudied in the Australian adult dyslexic community.

Materials and methods: Data was collected using an anonymous online two-part survey. Part one was purpose-designed to collect personal and demographic information per the study’s aims. Part two comprised the standardised Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales (WEMWBS).

Results: revealed that participants’ educational attainments and employment profiles closely reflected those of the general Australian community. Age at diagnosis was highly variable ranging from adolescence to over 50. Based on the normative data from the WEMWBS, participants had significantly lower levels of mental well-being. These results suggest that despite many participants meeting key external markers of success, many appear to do so under personal and psychological strain.

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