The effect of a profile of dyslexia on the adolescents’ quality of life : listening to the memories of young adults

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research study was to gain insight of the narratives of young dyslexic adult’s perceptions of their quality of life as adolescents. The aim of the research was to explore how this learning disability (LD) has affected them while also stating any concerns they have regarding their experiences. Five young adults aged between 18 and 30 years and with a profile of dyslexia were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was then analysed using thematic analysis. From the analysis, five themes emerges: (1) Understanding the problem; (2) Openness about having dyslexia; (3) Emotions and feelings; (4) Surviving school; and (5) Support. The participants’ stories indicated that growing up with dyslexia was a challenge, that school was a hurdle they had to overcome, and that support from various people was needed. That being said, although things were not easy at school, from the participants’ experiences, it can be said that their quality of life was what they considered to be fairly normal. From this study I hope that people may understand what it really means to live with a LD such as dyslexia as well as what needs to be improved to help people with a LD.