Dyslexia, College, and Finding the Right Support
College is full of big transitions- new people, challenging classes, and pressure to juggle more than ever before. For students with dyslexia, all of that can feel ten times harder, even if they’ve been managing their learning differences for years, or didn’t even know they had one.
The Not-So-Obvious Signs of Dyslexia
When most people hear dyslexia, they think of kids mixing up letters or struggling to read. And while that can be part of it, dyslexia in college looks a lot more subtle and sometimes, it doesn’t look like “reading problems” at all.
Here are some common (and not-so-obvious) signs of dyslexia in college students:
Reading is exhausting. You can do it, but after a few pages, you're drained.
You re-read the same sentence five times, and it still doesn’t stick.
Your notes are chaotic, or you can’t keep up in fast-paced lectures.
Spelling sometimes feels like a guessing game.
Writing papers takes forever because organizing your thoughts on paper feels like solving a puzzle.
Foreign language classes are a nightmare.
You feel "slow" when it comes to reading-heavy subjects, even though you know you’re smart.
These “hidden” symptoms are why dyslexia often goes undiagnosed in smart, high-achieving students. Many get to college and suddenly hit a wall, wondering why strategies that worked before just don’t cut it anymore.
Getting Tested for Dyslexia in College
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds way too familiar”, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it.
College is actually a very common time for students to get tested for dyslexia. The academic demands change, and suddenly things you used to compensate for become harder to manage.
Here’s how to start the process:
Visit your school’s counseling or disability services office.
Many colleges offer free or low-cost screening and referrals for learning disabilities. If not, they can point you toward a licensed psychologist in your area.Get a full psychoeducational evaluation.
This includes testing for reading fluency, comprehension, memory, processing speed, and more. The results can identify dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities.Don’t wait for a “perfect time.”
The earlier you know, the sooner you can start getting support and accommodations that actually help.
Yes, evaluations can take time and effort. But having answers and a plan can be an incredible relief. You don’t have to keep guessing or silently struggling.
Therapy and Support for Dyslexia
Dyslexia doesn’t go away, but neither does your ability to work with it and succeed. Therapy and the right support can completely change the game.
1. Educational Therapy or Learning Specialists
These professionals can help you:
Build reading comprehension and writing strategies tailored to your brain.
Learn note-taking and test-prep strategies that actually work for you.
Break the cycle of frustration and burnout.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Sometimes the hardest part of dyslexia isn’t reading, it’s what it does to your confidence. Therapy can help with:
Anxiety around tests or class participation.
Shame or impostor syndrome ("Why can't I do this like everyone else?")
Building self-esteem and motivation.
3. Assistive Technology Tools
Some favorites among college students with dyslexia:
Text-to-speech apps (like NaturalReader or Voice Dream) so you can listen to readings.
Speech-to-text tools for writing papers without getting stuck on spelling.
Grammarly or spellcheck+ software for polished final drafts.
Audio textbooks (Learning Ally, Bookshare) to take in information without the eye strain.
Getting Accommodations
Accommodations aren’t a “crutch,” they’re tools that level the playing field. Every college is legally required to offer accommodations under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). These supports are designed to give all students equal access to learning.
Common accommodations for dyslexic students include:
Extra time on tests and exams.
Access to lecture recordings or note-takers.
Alternative formats for assignments (e.g., oral presentations instead of essays).
Reduced-distraction testing environments.
Finding Support for Dyslexia in College
If reading feels like a struggle, you’re not lazy—and you’re definitely not alone. With the right support, you can absolutely thrive. Therapy, technology, academic accommodations, and a good dose of self-compassion can make a huge difference. You’re not broken. Your brain just works differently—and that’s something to work with, not against.
At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate college with undiagnosed or unsupported learning differences. Whether you’re seeking a formal evaluation, therapy, or tools to help you succeed, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone, contact us when you’re ready.