As part of my ongoing education as a dyslexia coach, speaker and consultant, I spend a lot of time in public forums - Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, YouTube comments.

These aren't just places to post memes; they're the pulse of our community.

While science tells us the psychological "why" behind our challenges, these boards reveal the raw human experience - the hopes, fears, and immediate needs of people living with dyslexia.

And if you've ever gotten advice about your dyslexia that made things worse instead of better, you already know why this matters. 

The wrong solution doesn't just fail to help - it can set you back months or even years.

The Flaw of Averages 

But there’s a fatal flaw. 

It comes from well-meaning audiences from every single occupation under the sun, to coaches, consultants and even licensed dyslexia educators/ specialists.

That flaw is prescription without context or what I call a - Brick Parachute. 

The Power of Quality Questions 

There's a fine line that exists when answering questions about dyslexia.

Before jumping to conclusions, we need to understand the motivation behind each question.

Two critical things to consider:

• What's the person really trying to achieve?

• Is this a simple fix (like "add more mayo to make your sandwich less dry"), or is it a decision that could shape the next few years of someone's life with dyslexia?

Think about it this way: If you went to a personal trainer to strengthen your core, they wouldn't just say "do planks" and walk away. They'd ask:

• "Why do you want to strengthen your core? Everyday life, or specific goals?"

• "What have you tried before and what were your results?"

• "Are there any limitations or challenges we should know about?"

• "What's your timeline and commitment level?"

The answers to these questions completely change the solution.

The Rush to Be Right

Here's the thing: most answers in these forums come without context, even when the questions are deep and life-changing.

I get why it’s energizing to feel like you have the answer. The feeling of being right gives you a rush.

But in many of these cases, being right is wrong - being curious is right.

The Reality Check 

Before we go further, let's address the elephant in the room.

Isn't it the questioner's responsibility to verify their sources? To make sure they're asking in a "safe" environment? To do their research and take answers at face value?

YES, but first we need to understand peoples’ states when they first come into a forum. 

When searching for answers, people focus on finding relief, not evaluating sources - they’re in the S.A.R.A State.

The S.A.R.A State

Stressed: A boss or co-worker has confronted them about making mistakes. They're facing real fears about looking incompetent or losing their job.

Alone: They've never disclosed their dyslexia, and now, with everything at stake, they have nowhere to turn. The number of times I see comments like "OMG, I never knew these forums existed" or "I had no idea you were all here" is staggering.

Rushed: They need answers now. Their livelihood and mental health are redlining.

Afraid: The thought of the repercussions - judgement from colleagues, family or friends, is paralyzing.

But here's the opportunity - recognizing you're in a S.A.R.A State is your first step toward finding real solutions.

Chute, there it is…

A brick parachute is advice, tools, or strategies that sound helpful but end up making things harder. 

The average brick weighs about 4.5 pounds and a parachute is meant to help you land safely. 

Put them together and you've got something that promises to help but actually drags you down instead.

Brick Parachuting is like giving someone a flashlight
with dead batteries during a power outage. 

The Real Cost:

When you're in the S.A.R.A state - Stressed, Alone, Rushed, and Afraid - any solution can look good. 

That workplace accommodation someone suggested might sound perfect when you're panicking about your job. That expensive software might seem worth it when you're desperate for change.

But here's what happens:

• The accommodation creates more problems than it solves

• The software sits unused while your credit card bill grows

• You're not just back at square one - now you're carrying extra weight

Who Packs Your Parachute?

Once you start recognizing Brick Parachutes, you can:

• Find solutions that actually fit YOUR needs

• Redirect your time and energy toward progress

• Start trusting good advice when you get it