Dyslexia And Dysgraphia In College

ACO Staff Writers
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Updated on March 29, 2024
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    Many primary, secondary, and postsecondary students have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Individuals with dyslexia experience difficulty reading, while those with dysgraphia find writing challenging. Either of these conditions can make succeeding in school difficult. Fortunately, learners can receive help and accommodations from professors, peers, and technology.

    The following sections explore how these two learning disabilities can affect college students. This guide also provides study tips and highlights services that learners can use to improve their grades. Degree-seekers with dysgraphia or dyslexia in college can access the resources featured on this page to learn more about their condition and how it need not prevent them from earning a degree.

    Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia


    Language-based learning disabilities affect approximately 15-20% of the population, according to the Dyslexia Center of Utah. Dyslexia is the most common of these disabilities. Most individuals with dyslexia receive a diagnosis in elementary or middle school. These learners may also display ADHD symptoms, further complicating classroom learning. College students with dyslexia or dysgraphia may already possess some coping strategies.

    Students with dysgraphia or dyslexia in college may have significant difficulty earning good grades. Taking notes, reading assigned texts, and finishing exams may present as challenges. Unprepared learners and those without accommodations may fail courses and drop out of school.

    What About Dyscalculia?

    Unlike individuals with dyslexia or dysgraphia, learners with dyscalculia do not typically struggle with reading or writing. However, they take longer to learn arithmetic and other mathematical concepts. Typical symptoms include an inability to estimate, understand fractions, and read a clock face.

    College students with dyscalculia may find it challenging to follow lectures and perform well on exams. Fortunately, technology exists that can make learning easier for these individuals.

    Study Tips for Students with Dyslexia

    Strategies for Test Taking


    Students with dyslexia in college can research test-taking strategies to improve their ability to score well on exams. The following strategies may reduce stress and allow learners to focus on the material. Degree-seekers with severe dyslexia or dysgraphia can inquire about test-taking accommodations from their institution.

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      Be Mindful of the Exam Format

      Learners with dysgraphia should speak to their professor about the formats of upcoming exams. Short-answer and essay sections may make exams more difficult. Knowing the format in advance allows learners to prepare by simulating the testing experience, and to request appropriate accommodations.

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      Stay Calm

      Most college students experience some form of test anxiety. Ways to remain calm include sleeping enough the night before, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants on test day, and planning a reward for after the exam. These strategies can help reduce stress and ensure learners perform to the best of their ability.

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      Plan Your Time

      Learners with dyslexia in college may have difficulty managing their time during exams, since reading instructions and prompts takes longer for them. Degree-seekers can hone their time-management skills by assessing how long to spend on each exam section. Learners should keep to a schedule by checking the time periodically during testing.

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      Proofread

      If time allows, learners should proofread their work. Doing so often reveals incomplete answers, awkward writing, and other mistakes. Even 1-2 minutes of proofreading may result in better exam scores. However, students should not rush through an exam in order to proofread.

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    Technology Resources

    • Natural Reader

      This resource allows learners to turn nearly any text into an audio file. The free version of Natural Reader provides various voices and compatibility for multiple text files. Advanced features include the option to download files to a mobile device.
    • SoundNote

      Students with dysgraphia in college can use SoundNote if they struggle to keep up with note-taking during lectures. The app records lectures, and learners can listen to the lecture later to fill in missed sections of notes.
    • Grammerly

      Grammarly reviews users writing to check for common grammatical mistakes. Students with dyslexia can integrate the service into various programs and web browsers, allowing Grammarly to catch errors as they make them.
    • Text Expander

      Text Expander keeps track of users common phrases and sentences and recommends them during note-taking. This service can help students with dysgraphia take notes at a much faster rate.
    • MindNode

      MindNode promotes learning by turning users ideas into a visual representation, such as a word web or graph. Users can outline their ideas and keep track of tasks and themes.
    • My Study Life

      My Study Life helps learners keep track of due dates. Users can schedule short- and long-term assignments, receive essential reminders, and sync information across multiple devices.
    • Math Talk

      This speech-recognition software helps learners solve equations, take notes, and send completed work just by speaking. The service features commands for various types of mathematics, including algebra and calculus.
    • ModMath

      This free app helps learners with dyscalculia perform equations, organize information, and save work. Users can share their assignments with professors through text, email, or Dropbox.

    Resources for for Students with Dyslexic and Dysgraphia

    Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education

    This resource informs college students with disabilities of their legal rights, such as adjustments to instruction and testing. The resource also provides information about how to qualify for modifications.

    The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity

    This service provides advice and tips to help learners succeed in college with a disability. Resources include advice from students and college planning guides.

    International Dyslexia Association

    IDA provides numerous resources for college students and their families, including fact sheets, an advocacy toolkit, and success stories. The organization promotes classroom equity by running workshops for postsecondary teachers.

    Understanding Dysgraphia

    Understood offers this resource that details dysgraphia’s typical symptoms, impact on daily life, and challenges for college students. Visitors can access classroom and workplace accommodation guides.

    Dyscalculia.org

    Students with dyscalculia experience difficulty understanding mathematical concepts, performing calculations, and solving problems. The resource explains the condition’s typical symptoms and mitigation strategies.

    Portrait of Thomas Broderick
    Thomas Broderick

    Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

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