Dyslexic v Non-Dyslexic

Below is a comparison of behavioural and learning characteristics of dyslexics and non-dyslexics. Of course, not all dyslexics and non-dyslexics possess the respective features outlined. Each individual has their own distinct characteristics; the comparisons are generalisations only.

The Dyslexic The Non-Dyslexic
Reading can be agonising and listening strenuous due to difficulties in understanding. Understanding when reading and listening is more automatic.
Writing is slow and laborious. Writing is more natural and routine.
Loses concentration more easily. Can concentrate for longer periods.
Has difficulties in retaining and recalling information and tends to forget more regularly. Is more able to retain and recall information for longer periods and tends to remember more consistently.
Can understand ideas that are more concrete. Can understand ideas that are more abstract.
Has more difficulty performing detailed and complex language-related tasks. Is more able at performing most language-related tasks.
General knowledge is poor and needs to be used more regularly to assist retention. General knowledge tends to remain for longer periods, irrespective of its use.
Learning often occurs more indirectly, by thinking creating, observing and doing rather than by study. Learning occurs more directly by listening and reading as well as by observing, creating and doing.
Job completion satisfaction has major importance. Tends not to distinguish much between job enjoyment and satisfaction on completion of task.
May lack confidence performing certain tasks, particularly language-related ones. Knows most tasks can be performed, so confidence is of little concern.
Can take a long time to perform basic tasks and possesses poor time-management skills. Can complete most tasks in the time required and is more able to manage time.
Struggles to be on time for appointments. Is generally more punctual for appointments.
More adjustment time is needed when immediately switching the mind from one task to another. Is able to adjust more spontaneously when switching the mind from one task to another.
Is less spontaneous, has difficulty expressing thoughts, and often requires time to think. Ability to express thoughts is instinctive and reacts to spoken and written language more instantly.
Can generally focus only on one thing at a time. Is more able to focus on more things at the same time.
Has more need for dependence yet a desire for independence. Less affected by dependence issues.
Is more disorientated and has a poor sense of direction. Is more orientated and has a better sense of direction.
May struggle to learn other languages. Should find language learning more natural.
Is more sensitive to stress when communicating. Is generally more relaxed when communicating.
Is more disorganised and finds planning difficult. Is generally better organised and more competent at planning.
Generally has difficulty in arranging things in order. Has better sequencing skills.
Is more of a dreamer. Tends to be more easily focused.
Is generally slower at manipulating numbers and may struggle to understand mathematical ideas. Is faster when dealing with numbers and is generally able to grasp mathematical ideas.
Is sensitive to body language as a form of communication. Tends to be less conscious of body language as a form of communication.
Is more clumsy. Is more coordinated.
Instinct and practice are important when developing sporting skills. Technique and practice are important when developing sporting skills.
Needs much work and effort to achieve results, with more obstacles to overcome. Routine amount of work is needed to achieve results, with fewer obstacles to overcome.
Goal choice is based more on the ability to achieve, as well as needs and wants. Goal choice is based more on needs and wants rather than on the ability to achieve.
Compensation is absolutely necessary to hide any communicative deficiencies. Compensation is unnecessary in most circumstances.
Career opportunities are more limited. Career opportunities are wider.
Tends to be more of a realist. Is generally more of an optimist or pessimist.
Needs to concentrate to become aware. Awareness occurs more naturally.
Tends to lose items more regularly. Misplaces items rather than loses them.
Motivation to learn and do things is determined more by ability. Motivation to learn is driven more by interest and enjoyment.
Meaning of the language is more important than how it is expressed. Meaning and how something is expressed are both important and influence each other.
Needs to achieve more regularly to boost confidence and drive towards reaching targets. Does not need to be aware of achievements and has more confidence in personal ability to reach targets.
Less confident socialising. Socialising is more natural.