The economic cost of living with dyslexia

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the ability to read, write, and spell fluently, not only has impacts in the educational and social fields but also carries a significant economic cost for the people who live with it.

In this session, we will explore the economic challenges faced by people with dyslexia throughout their lives, from education to professional life, and we will examine the opportunities and strategies to mitigate these costs and promote equal opportunities.

Educational Challenges and the Impact on Professional Development

• Barriers in Education: People with dyslexia often face challenges in the educational system, from late identification to the lack of adequate support. This can affect their academic performance and, consequently, their access to advanced educational opportunities.
• Impact on Professional Development: Academic performance directly influences professional development opportunities. Limitations in education can result in more limited job options, affecting career trajectory and income over time.

Costs Associated with Evaluations and Treatments

• Diagnosis and Evaluation: Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of dyslexia often involves costly psychoeducational evaluations. Parents, caregivers, or adult individuals may face significant expenses to access evaluation services that are essential to understand and address specific needs.
• Interventions and Therapies: Access to specialized interventions and therapies, such as personalized tutoring or educational support programs, can also generate considerable costs. These resources are essential to help people with dyslexia develop effective learning strategies and overcome challenges.

Limitations in Access to Job Opportunities

• Job Discrimination: Job discrimination based on dyslexia can limit employment opportunities and professional advancement. The lack of understanding by employers about the skills and abilities of people with dyslexia can lead to biased hiring and promotion decisions.
• Inability to Access Certain Sectors: Some job sectors may be more challenging for people with dyslexia. Professions that require specific reading or writing skills may represent additional barriers, which limits professional options.

Inefficiencies in the Workplace

• Need for Reasonable Accommodations: People with dyslexia often require reasonable accommodations in the workplace, such as assistive software, additional time for written tasks, or adjustments in the presentation of information. The lack of these accommodations can lead to inefficiencies and decrease productivity.
• Costs Associated with Accommodations: The implementation of reasonable accommodations can generate costs for employers. However, investing in these accommodations is not only essential to comply with legal obligations but can also result in a more inclusive and productive work environment in the long term.

Hidden Costs in Mental Health and Well-being

• Impact on Mental Health: Living with dyslexia can have a significant impact on mental health and emotional well-being. The constant struggle with academic and work challenges can generate stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which in turn can influence productivity and job satisfaction.
• Costs Associated with Mental Health: The costs associated with mental health, such as treatments and therapies to address emotional problems, can add to the total economic burden of living with dyslexia.

Inequity in Income and Promotion Opportunities

• Wage Gap: People with dyslexia often face a significant wage gap compared to their colleagues without disabilities. This gap may be due to limitations in job opportunities and discrimination that affects promotion and salary increase decisions.
• Long-Term Impact: Income inequity can have a long-term impact on financial stability and quality of life. Opportunities for investment in further education or access to adequate housing may be limited for those who face economic challenges due to dyslexia.

Costs of Not Intervening Early

• Impact on Early Education: The lack of early intervention can have sign