Five lesser-known dyslexia symptoms, as Zoe Saldaña opens up about learning disorder
As she picked up the award for Best Supporting Actress in Any Motion Picture at last night’s Golden Globes, actress Zoe Saldaña spoke of her dyslexia – and how it makes her forget things. “I know I don’t have much time. And I have dyslexia, so I tend to forget when I’m really anxious and I’m filled with adrenaline,” she said.
Saldaña previously opened up about her dyslexia in a Variety interview, in which she revealed that she was put off taking new jobs because of it. “The challenges that I’ve had, they have to do with my learning abilities,” she told the publication. “I have dyslexia and anxiety, which prevented me from really going after roles – a whole lot of roles – that I know I could have done.”
Since the awards show last night, many fans have taken to social media to praise her for the “shoutout.”
One person wrote on X: “I’m really loving this dyslexia representation, especially how open Zoe Saldaña has been. I grew up watching these awards shows and it’s nice to see folks claiming it not only as a learning difference but as a superpower.”
Another added: “Ok, Zoe representing for the dyslexia girls!”
But others were surprised to learn that memory can be affected by dyslexia and were grateful to Saldaña for shedding light on some of the lesser-known symptoms of the learning disability.
Five lesser-known symptoms of dyslexia
1. Struggles with time management, memory and organisation
According to the British Dyslexia Foundation, those with dyslexia may find it hard to remember meetings, appointments, dates or events. Time-keeping can also be difficult.
For example, they may misplace things like their keys, or get distracted by other things happening around them, which has a knock-on effect on their daily routine.
To help combat this, the foundation suggests setting mobile phone reminders and calendar alerts, or asking for meeting reminders to be sent by the organiser. It can also help to have a set place to store personal items.
2. Has difficulty with self expression
As well as needing time to answer questions, dyslexic people often struggle to keep up with their thoughts, according to the foundation.
Those interacting with dyslexic people should allow time for them to process and gather their thoughts, and demonstrate patience.
More often than not, pauses in conversation are a reflection that they are considering a response – not ignoring others – or that they are trying to remember something.
3. Struggle with direction
Dyslexic people may feel nervous about going to new places or navigating their way to a destination – and may often find themselves lost. “Right” and “left” directions, in particular, can be difficult to follow, or give.
To avoid this, the foundation recommends that people giving directions to a dyslexic person avoid “right” and “left”, and instead be more descriptive. For those with dyslexia, your GPS or SatNav is your biggest friend.
4. Low self-esteem in social settings
It is common among those with dyslexia to feel out of place or worried about saying the wrong thing in social situations. They may, therefore, avoid these types of interactions or be more reserved. Things like reading menus may be a particular sensitive task for them.
The foundation says it is best to be open about your learning disorder if you have dyslexia. It is also important for others to demonstrate patience and kindness in these situations.
5. Tiredness
Because of the amount of energy and effort needed to remember, process and communicate, dyslexic people may suffer from fatigue – which in turn can accentuate their dyslexic symptoms.
Read more about dyslexia:
The truth about dyslexics in tech (Mashable, 3-min read)
Is your child dyslexic? An expert spells out what to do (DPA International, 5-min read)
ADHD and dyslexia are the two most common coexisting conditions – it explains so much for me (The Telegraph, 9-min read)
