Is coaching an effective adjustment for dyslexic adults?

Abstract

Our primary purpose in this paper is to (a) outline the heretofore limited investigation and understanding of dyslexia in adults and (b) assess the impact of coaching as reasonable adjustment for this significant proportion of the working population, who receive little attention in the coaching, work performance and indeed disability literature. A Social Cognitive Learning Theory-based coaching intervention was implemented with 95 dyslexic coachees who, along with 41 line managers, provided independent ratings of work performance both before and after the coaching was conducted. Analysis of the coaching topics revealed a higher prevalence of working memory, organisational skills and time management than literacy difficulties. Paired samples t-tests revealed significant differences between the time intervals and large effect sizes (coachees: t (92) = 19.35, p < .001, d = 1.94; line managers: t (40) = 10.72, p < .001, d = 0.85) indicating that work performance improved over time. The study supports the definition of dyslexia as a life-long, cognitive condition; the group comparisons demonstrated that coaching can address occupational performance deficits in executive functions as well as literacy.

Keywords:

• dyslexia
• executive functions
• workplace performance
• working memory
• coaching evaluation
• reasonable adjustment
• Equality Act 2010

Notes on contributors

Nancy is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist specialising in coaching, neurodifferences and social inclusion of people with hidden disability. Nancy runs Genius Within CIC, a UK wide social enterprise supporting neurodiverse adults both in work and in preparation for work. This research was conducted using Nancy's client base.

Almuth's research interests span worklife balance, coaching and the assessment and development of performance in the workplace. She is based at Birkbeck University of London, where she is principal investigator on a number of funded research projects and directs the programme in human resource development and consultancy. She is widely published in the academic and popular press, and a regular contributor to the media.