Dyslexic? Don't let it stop you
- Alice Rowly-Harrison
- Sep 19, 2024
- 3 min read
I am highly dyslexic. It doesn't stop me. In this small article i will share the tools that help me write books, create and even helped with this very article. tools i use daily even though they my cost me a bit to run. But these tools are life changing.
ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid has improved my writing standard for a few months now, allowing me to write as a professional. It's unbelievable. Versatile and suitable for any project. From books to college and university essays, a wide range of writing is covered. It will set you back around £30 per month, but it's well worth it. However, if you have the money i fully recommend paying the £399-£700 for their lifetime package. This is definitely better than Grammarly, in my opinion. It allows you to use it anywhere as well as download its own word processing program.
2. Campfire Campfire is an absolutely amazing creative program for all your DM/s (dungeon masters) and creative writers. what campfire is a World building tool for creators allowing you to use a range of features (again unfortunately you have to pay subscription for all features). this allows you to organise and categorize everything. There are numerous features to discuss, from manuscript to character profiles, but this guide is not comprehensive. it costs about $19 per month. https://www.campfirewriting.com
note: a free version of this but is not as comprehensive is called manuskript https://www.theologeek.ch/manuskript/
3. Speechifi
speechify is a reading and follow-along software that turns any text into an audiobook. it costs about £10-£20 a month but it will read any text to you. I recommend getting premium as some of the voices are quite bad but I use the narrator's voice the most naturally out of them and read out my works like David Attenborough it can get funny. However, it's a godsend. This is an app for mobile but it has extensions for pc .
These are just a handful of things that help me specifically with my writing on pc however one of the objects I have found that helps me off my pc will amaze you in its simplicity and a lot I mean A lot of people do not realise these are publicly available.
Studyteq 15 x Professional Dyslexia Coloured Reading Overlays And Rulers + Protective Case on Amazon has changed my life. I find because of how they are designed i have been reading more clearly and staying on track. I will link the product on the UK Amazon for any of you interested. Just be sure if you buy them to test all the colours, as each person has a preferred colour that their mind and eye can see best. For me, for example, it depends on the paper but yellow works best for me and the following line helps keep my place so my eyes are not wondering like they do with black ink on white paper. these will help adults and children alike.
One of the ADHD crowd
Another thing that is a physical object and not on a PC is something I wish I had earlier, but only now is it actually helping me. The humble slinky. yes you read that correctly, a slinky. With it in my hands, it entertains the part of my brain that would easily distract me and, as such; I focus more on my relative tasks, such as reading or more. I know, I know. But Alice, it's a toy. Yet, for someone with ADHD like me, having something in your hands can be so beneficial. so my dear readers. Maybe try to find a fidget toy that actually helps you and not distract's you. People opt for infinity cubes (I have one too), some prefer popper toys, and there are countless other choices available. But try it. You may be surprised. The goal is not to distract you fully, but subconsciously. If it is taking your concentration away fully, that's not the correct fidget toy for you. Change the toy until you get the one you can fidget with, but focus simultaneously.
In conclusion, my dear friends, find what works for you. Every individual is distinct, so what works for one may not work for all. Find your flow and be productive.
Comments