Understanding Typing Patterns in Dyslexia: Insights from a Personal Experience

Introduction

When one sense is affected, such as vision, the brain compensates almost immediately by utilizing other senses. This phenomenon is not limited to vision but can occur when any part of the sensory system is impacted. For instance, those who are cross-dominant or have conditions like dyslexia may experience unique compensatory measures in their daily lives, especially when it comes to typing on a computer.

I was born with hypoxia, which might have influenced my development, leading to ADHD, dyslexia, and cross-dominance. These conditions have significantly shaped my understanding and interpretation of the world, particularly in terms of how I use technology.

Physical Sensory Compensation

Physically, I exhibit a poor sense of my body's centerline, leading to frequent confusion between my right and left sides. This impacts my typing patterns. For example, I might press the 'g' key when I intended to type 'h'. Additionally, the orientation of the keyboard can greatly affect my typing. If the keyboard is not precisely in the right height and orientation, I struggle to type effectively.

Cognitive Compensation

Some of my cognitive functions, particularly in ordering and sequencing, are also impacted by my condition. My perception of sequence and order, like when reading from left to right, is similar to this cognitive pattern. My brain might use a different 'sense' of order that is less affected when processing information quickly. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining a clear sense of key strokes while typing, relying more on patterns my hand moves to form words.

Implications and Strategies

Typing with these challenges can be tiring and distracting. Despite these errors, I can type almost as fast as I think because the words help stabilize my thoughts. Spelling correction becomes a critical step in reviewing and checking the meaning of the text. I often rely on the repetition of written words to ensure accuracy rather than relying solely on visual cues.

Autism, which I was diagnosed with approximately five years ago, can be seen as a form of the "shotgun equivalent" of neurological changes. My brain is peppered with varying neurological shifts, each affecting different regions in different ways and to varying degrees. These inconsistencies highlight the complexity of neurological conditions and how they can manifest differently in individuals.

Conscious Awareness and Reflection

It is vital to note that the mental corrections I make are rarely consciously recognized. This is particularly true for the typos and letter sequences I produce. For instance, I may flip letters without recognizing why or how it happened. These mistakes are often a coping mechanism, a result of my early diagnosis and the lack of support during that time.

The struggle to see and correct errors is a significant challenge. I often type what I hear in my head rather than trying to see the letters I type. This auditory processing further compounds the difficulties associated with typing. Understanding these patterns is crucial in developing strategies to manage these challenges effectively.

Conclusion

This reflection offers insights into the workings of dyslexic and neurodivergent brains, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accommodating these unique typing patterns. By recognizing the compensatory mechanisms in place and the underlying cognitive processes, we can better support those with dyslexia in their daily technological interactions.