Dyslexia

So one of my characters is dyslexic. He's managed to keep it hidden for quite a long time, due to the fact his job requires little reading. He has a relatively mild-moderate case; he is literate, but has much difficulty reading (he can, but it takes a lot of effort) most printed materials and must have an asistant do it for him.

• I'd appreciate it if anyone could give me some pointers on...
  • What dyslexia of this severity is 'like'
  • What other problems he might have
  • Common misconceptions that I should avoid

I'd especially appreciate if if any who has had any personal experience with Dyslexia share some information. Thanks.

I know know that Dyslexia obviously isn't a 'one size fits all' condition, and I don't want the character to be an unbelievable, unrealistic textbook case. Can anyone point me in the direction of some good resources for this?

I don't know much about dyslexia, but I do know some people who have it and they have difficulty reading text when it's black-on-white, so they have to use transparent yellow 'windows' to make the contrast clearer when reading.

My friend is moderate maybe worse. She can't spell to save her life so is constantly asking me to spell things for her or even write it out because she has so much trouble with it. Also, she is better at reading things if its upside down for some reason. Don't know why it's not a huuge difference but it's strangely easier she's told me.

Um, I usually do a grammar check when she has to write because her writing skills suffer from her inability to read very well. Most frequently she either has tenses mixed up (feed instead of fed especially) or, similar sounding words in place of the one she wants. I can't remember the word for that. but yeah.

I believe the word you're looking for is Malapropism. I'm also curious, have any of you encountered someone with Dyslexia who found that reading aloud was easier, or does it rarely make any difference?