---
title: Skills that can be affected by dyslexia
description: Dyslexia doesn’t only affect reading. Here’s a quick list of other skills dyslexia can impact.
slug: skills-that-can-be-affected-by-dyslexia
author: Emily Lapkin
reviewer: Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD
published: '2019-10-16T12:24:57.015Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/4Ioovrep0LJ6x5gUBZW5o8/f25815dbb590f64194e07004e4ec8550/G1028771904.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/skills-that-can-be-affected-by-dyslexia
lang: en
---

# Skills that can be affected by dyslexia

[Dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyslexia) doesn’t only affect reading. It can make a lot of things hard for kids and adults. Here are some of the other skills and behaviors dyslexia can affect — some of which may surprise you.

- Understand and [follow directions
](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-trouble-following-directions)
- Repeat something in the right order
- Remember words, phrases, names, and directions
- Find the right word to say
- Pronounce words the right way
- Tell the difference between words that sound similar
- Learn and use new words
- Spell and use grammar
 the right way
- Rhyme
- Stay on topic
- Understand jokes, puns, and sarcasm
- Speak or read out loud with confidence
- “Sound out” and pronounce words while reading
- Get and stay interested in stories and books
- Understand what’s read
- Understand word problems in math
- Write letters, numbers, and symbols in the right order
- Express ideas in an organized way
- Listen and take notes
- [Interpret body language](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/at-a-glance-helping-your-child-understand-body-language) and other [social cues
](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/4-types-of-social-cues)
- Make and keep friends
- Express feelings appropriately

- Tell left from right
- Build [self-esteem](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/positive-self-esteem-kids-importance)

Learn more about [how dyslexia can affect social skills](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/ways-dyslexia-can-affect-social-skills). And see how it all can play out for kids and adults: 

- [A day in the life of a child with dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-child-with-dyslexia)
- [A day in the life of employee with dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-employee-with-dyslexia)

---

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