How to Survive with Dyslexia as a Developer

For developers with dyslexia, AI isn't just helpful—it's a game changer. Learn the tools and coding habits to write clean code and clear communication.

#1about 2 minutes

Understanding dyslexia and its communication challenges

Dyslexia is a learning disability affecting writing and spelling, which can create friction in text-based team communication like Git messages.

#2about 1 minute

How writing based on sound creates spelling errors

Writing words phonetically as they are heard is a common source of errors for people with dyslexia, especially with non-intuitive spellings.

#3about 3 minutes

Practical strategies for writing code with dyslexia

Using simple naming conventions like KISS and leveraging IDE features like autocompletion helps manage typos in variables and functions.

#4about 2 minutes

Leveraging AI tools to correct code and text

AI assistants like Copilot and large language models can predict code, fix typos, and improve the grammar of commit messages, emails, and documentation.

#5about 1 minute

A summary of solutions for developers with dyslexia

A combination of team understanding, powerful IDEs, and AI tools can effectively solve the main challenges of coding and communication.

Notes and resources

What do developers, product owners, and everyone else in IT do all day?
TYPE! And that a lot.
Well, now imagine for a moment, 50% of what you write is just plain … wrong.
Not a nice scenario, it would impact work and maybe even the relationship with your coworkers as they get frustrated.
In this talk, we explore the problems people with dyslexia are facing in IT.
I will give you an insight into how dyslexic people write and how sentences like “btw the eyploid ist eevle.” happen.
Furthermore, we will discover how tools like IDEs, operating systems, and even AI can help you to deal with it.

(Spoiler: AI is a game changer)