How to Overcome Reading Barriers with Dyslexia

Reading feels harder for people with dyslexia. Letters seem to move, words blend together, and reading a page can leave you exhausted before you've finished a paragraph. But reading barriers with dyslexia are not insurmountable. With the right strategies, tools, and support, dyslexic readers can develop genuine confidence and read more effectively.

This guide shares practical, tested approaches that actually work. Whether you're a student, parent, or teacher supporting someone with dyslexia, these strategies will help you understand the problem and find real solutions.

Understand Your Personal Reading Barriers

Dyslexia affects everyone differently. Some people struggle with letter recognition, others with phonological processing (how your brain handles word sounds), and many have trouble with working memory. Understanding your specific barriers is the first step to overcoming them.

Spend a week noticing when reading feels hardest. Is it small fonts? Long paragraphs? Specific types of text? Are you more tired after reading certain materials? Does reading on screens feel different from paper?

Keep a simple note of these observations. Share them with a teacher, parent, or specialist if possible. This information helps you choose the right tools and techniques. Some people benefit from tracking which times of day are easiest to read, or which subjects feel more manageable.

Choose a Font Designed for Readability

Standard fonts like Times New Roman can be genuinely difficult for dyslexic readers. Letters may look too similar, or crowded together on the page. OpenDyslexic font was specifically designed to address this. It uses heavier bottoms on letters so 'b' doesn't look like 'd', and adds extra space between characters.

Research shows that switching to a dyslexia-friendly font can improve reading speed and comfort. Many universities now offer OpenDyslexic as standard in their accessibility settings. Schools are following suit.

Try Dyslexly, a Chrome extension that applies OpenDyslexic font and other reading supports directly to websites and online documents. You can test different fonts and sizes easily, then keep what works best. If you prefer paper, ask your school or workplace to print materials in OpenDyslexic or similar fonts.

Use Colour Overlays and Contrast Adjustments

Some dyslexic readers experience visual stress. Text appears to shimmer, move, or blur. Coloured overlays can reduce this effect significantly. The most common colours are blue, green, or amber, though the right colour varies by person.

Coloured overlays are physical sheets you place over text, but digital colour filters are easier to use on screens. Many find that simply adjusting the background colour from white to cream or light grey reduces strain and improves focus.

Experiment with different background colours and text colours in small chunks. Set a timer for 10 minutes and try reading with different settings. Notice which combinations reduce eye strain and help you stay focused longer. Dyslexly includes colour overlay options so you can fine-tune these settings across all your online reading without switching tools constantly.

Implement Text-to-Speech and Multi-Sensory Learning

Reading with your eyes alone is harder work for dyslexic brains. Adding audio input helps tremendously. Text-to-speech technology lets you hear the words while seeing them on screen, which strengthens the connection between written and spoken language.

This multi-sensory approach works because it engages more parts of your brain at once. You're not relying solely on visual decoding. Instead, your auditory processing supports your reading. Many students find they understand and retain information better when reading and listening together.

Use text-to-speech for challenging texts, long articles, or when you're tired. You don't need to use it for everything, every time. Strategic use means you save energy for other tasks and can access more material overall. Tools like Dyslexly include built-in text-to-speech, so you can hear web pages and documents read aloud at your preferred speed.

Break Reading into Focused Sessions

Trying to read for hours without support is exhausting. Your brain uses more energy to decode text, so fatigue sets in faster. Breaking reading into shorter, focused sessions is more effective and sustainable.

Aim for 15 to 20 minute reading blocks, followed by a 5 minute break. During breaks, stand up, look away from screens, or do something completely different. This rhythm helps prevent the mental fatigue that makes reading feel impossible.

Use a timer to structure your sessions. Some people find they can read longer when they're using supporting tools like larger fonts, colour overlays, or text-to-speech. Others need consistent short sessions regardless. Track what works for you.

For longer assignments or books, divide the work across several days. Reading 30 pages across three sessions is less draining than attempting 90 pages in one sitting. Plan your reading schedule in advance, so you're not scrambling to finish at the last moment when you're already exhausted.

Build Vocabulary and Contextual Understanding

Many dyslexic readers rely more on context and meaning than on decoding individual words. Strengthening your vocabulary and understanding the topic before you read makes text easier to access.

Before reading a new article or chapter, skim the headings, look at any images, and read the summary. This primes your brain with context. When you then read the full text, your brain recognises more words and fills in gaps more easily.

For topics you find challenging, build vocabulary first through conversation, videos, or other people reading aloud. Once you know the words and concepts, reading about them becomes much more manageable.

Keep a personal dictionary of tricky words you encounter repeatedly. Write the word, what it means, and a sentence using it. Review this occasionally. Over time, your visual and phonological memory for these words improves.

Get Assessment and Specialist Support

If you haven't been formally assessed for dyslexia, consider requesting one. A proper assessment identifies your specific strengths and barriers, and provides evidence for workplace or education adjustments. Many people manage reading barriers for years before diagnosis, missing out on support they're entitled to.

Schools and workplaces can provide formal accommodations once you have assessment evidence. This might include extra time for exams, access to text-to-speech tools, or printed materials in alternative formats. These aren't shortcuts, they're levelling the playing field.

Look for a specialist teacher or educational psychologist if you're struggling significantly. They can teach specific techniques tailored to your profile and monitor your progress. Many offer online sessions now, making access easier.

Teachers and parents supporting dyslexic readers should consider Dyslexly's school and organisational plan if multiple people need consistent support. Having a standard tool across a school ensures all dyslexic students benefit from the same quality of reading support.

Conclusion

Reading barriers with dyslexia are real, but they're not permanent. By understanding your specific challenges, using designed-for-purpose tools and fonts, breaking reading into manageable chunks, and building support around yourself, you can read more effectively and with less exhaustion. Progress takes time and patience, but every small improvement matters. The goal isn't to read like a non-dyslexic person, it's to read in the way that works best for your brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using text-to-speech stop me from improving my reading skills? No. Text-to-speech is a tool that reduces the cognitive load while you read, similar to using glasses to correct vision. You're still engaging with written text and building skills. Many students find they actually improve faster because they can access more material without exhaustion, and they remain motivated to read.

How long does it take to see improvement after changing my reading strategies? Most people notice comfort improvements within days of changing fonts or adding colour overlays. Understanding and speed improvements typically develop over weeks and months as your brain adapts to the new strategies. Consistency matters more than speed, so stick with what helps for at least a few weeks before deciding if it's working.

Can dyslexic readers ever read as quickly as non-dyslexic readers? Some dyslexic readers do reach comparable speeds, especially with proper support. However, the goal isn't always speed. Accurate comprehension and sustainable reading habits matter more. Many successful dyslexic readers read more slowly but retain and understand information well, which is often more valuable than fast, shallow reading.

What should I do if my school or employer refuses to provide reading support? If you have a formal dyslexia assessment, you have a legal right to reasonable adjustments in most contexts. In schools, ask to speak with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). In workplaces, contact HR or occupational health. Document your requests in writing. If resistance continues, seek advice from a disability rights organisation or educational psychologist who can advocate on your behalf.

Are there reading barriers that dyslexic people can't overcome? Dyslexic readers can access virtually all written material with appropriate support and time. Some texts are genuinely harder for everyone. What changes is the tools, techniques, and time needed. With the right combination of font changes, audio support, and structured breaks, dyslexic readers can tackle any reading task.