Dyslexia, Anxiety & Self-Esteem
Dyslexia affects literacy, but years of struggling with reading, writing and spelling can also affect confidence, anxiety and the way someone sees themselves.
This standalone guide looks beyond the practical difficulties of dyslexia to explore the emotional impact. It covers fear of reading aloud, anxiety around writing, overchecking, school experiences, masking, low confidence, perfectionism, avoidance and the pressure of trying not to make mistakes.
It also explores self-acceptance without minimising the real challenges dyslexia can create. Practical strategies such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, templates, proofreading systems and additional processing time can reduce the literacy load and help create successful experiences.
The resource includes a confidence-rebuilding exercise for separating an anxious prediction from the actual barrier, choosing appropriate support and gradually approaching situations that have become difficult.
There is also guidance for parents, adults and supporters, alongside information about when therapeutic support may be helpful.
Dyslexia is a learning difference, not a measure of intelligence or personal worth.
Download the full Dyslexia, Anxiety & Self-Esteem guide for detailed information, practical strategies and emotional support.
Space to Breathe Therapy
