How GenAI is Boosting My Confidence in Writing with Dyslexia

I received my dyslexia diagnosis during my first year of college in 2001, after enduring years of grappling with English language-related challenges. Throughout my school years, I found myself consistently struggling with spelling tests, grammar assignments, reading books, and crafting reports. Paradoxically, I excelled in science and mathematics, igniting my passion for learning and fostering my interest in computers and networking.

The need to resit my GCSE English for the third time to gain entry into university was a significant turning point for me. It was a constant source of anxiety, and my fear of writing reports and documents loomed large. When the time came to tackle a dissertation, my anxiety went into overdrive, even with the aid of spelling and grammar checkers.

So what is my superpower…?

Dyslexia is a learning difference (not difficulty, as it was called) that affects reading, writing, and spelling. It can make tasks like writing essays, articles, and even simple emails a daunting and anxiety-inducing experience. For those who grapple with dyslexia, like myself, the journey to improving writing skills and gaining confidence can be challenging. However, recent developments in artificial intelligence, such as GenAI, are revolutionising the way individuals with dyslexia can approach writing. In this article, I will share my personal journey and experiences with how GenAI has been a game-changer in building my confidence as a writer.

Understanding Dyslexia..

Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to read and write fluently. It has nothing to do with intelligence or creativity; it's simply a difference in the way the brain processes language. This can make writing a slow and error-prone process, leading to frustration and diminished self-esteem.

GenAI: A key powerful tool for Dyslexic writers

GenAI, powered by large language models (LLM) and advanced natural language processing (NLP), has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals with dyslexia, empowering them to become more proficient writers. Here's how it has helped me and many others overcome some of the challenges associated with dyslexia:

• Grammar and Spelling Correction: GenAI's real-time grammar and spelling correction features are a game-changer. For those with dyslexia, the fear of making mistakes in writing is ever-present. With GenAI, I can write freely, knowing that it will catch and correct my errors, enhancing the quality of my work and boosting my confidence.
• Sentence Structure and Clarity: Dyslexia can lead to sentences that are difficult to follow, lacking coherence and clarity. GenAI provides suggestions to improve sentence structure and make the text more understandable, making it easier for readers to grasp my ideas.
• Vocabulary Enhancement: Building a strong vocabulary is often a struggle for individuals with dyslexia. GenAI offers word suggestions and synonyms, which can help me express my ideas more precisely and eloquently.
• Assistive Reading: Reading your own work can be as challenging as writing it for someone with dyslexia. GenAI tools can read the text aloud which comes in really handy for document reads, providing an auditory feedback loop that helps me identify issues and improve the flow and readability of my writing.
• Reducing Writing Anxiety: GenAI's ability to provide real-time feedback reduces the anxiety often associated with writing for those with dyslexia. Knowing that I have a reliable tool to assist in the writing process allows me to focus on my ideas and creativity, rather than worrying about making mistakes.

Building my confidence one word at a time..

Using GenAI has been transformative for my writing journey. It's given me the tools to confidently express my thoughts and ideas without being constantly bogged down by the challenges posed by dyslexia. As I've continued to use GenAI, my writing has improved, my self-esteem has grown not only in writing text but also with writing code using AWS Code Whisper for helping write computer code without spelling mistakes causing errors while compiling applications, and I've started to embrace writing as a creative outlet rather than a source of frustration.

I can vouch for the profound transformation that GenAI has brought to my life. Writing used to be a daunting task, but now I approach it with enthusiasm and self-assurance. GenAI doesn't just correct my writing; it empowers me to be a better writer. It's like having a patient and knowledgeable writing tutor by my side, providing assistance whenever I need it.

Dyslexia should never be a barrier to achieving one's writing potential. With the advent of advanced AI like GenAI, individuals with dyslexia like myself can enhance their writing skills, reduce anxiety, and ultimately build their confidence as writers. Writing is a powerful form of self-expression, and every individual, regardless of their learning differences, deserves the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with the world. GenAI is an essential tool that has made this dream a reality for many, myself included.

(Please note this document is supported by generative ai tooling to support spelling, grammar and structure for my dyslexia, the content is my own and happy to talk further about this if required)