“I Can Read It, But I Can’t Remember What I Just Read”

 

Many people with Dyslexia say they can read the words on a page, but they may struggle to remember or process the information afterwards.

For example, a learner might say:

• “I read the paragraph, but I don’t remember what it said.”

• “I lose my place when I stop reading.”

• “If someone talks to me while I am reading, I have to start again.”

Even a short interruption can make it difficult to find the correct place in the text again.

This happens because reading involves several mental processes at the same time, including:

• recognising words

• tracking the line of text

• understanding the meaning

• remembering what was just read

When the brain has to work harder to decode words, there may be less mental energy available for remembering the information.

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Why Layout and Text Size Matter

Small or crowded text can make reading even more difficult.

When text is very small, readers may:

• pick up the wrong word

• skip a line

• miss important information

• lose their place more easily

Larger text and clearer spacing can help reduce these problems.

Accessible formats such as Easy Read improve reading by using:

• larger fonts

• short sentences

• clear layout

• simple language

• images to support meaning

Easy Read materials often use short, jargon-free sentences with clear images, helping people understand information more easily.

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Technology and Visual Comfort

The Ability Net Easy Read guide also explains that some people with dyslexia find bright white backgrounds difficult to read because of glare. Using coloured filters or adjusting screen settings can make reading easier.

Many digital devices allow people to change:

• background colour

• text size

• font style

• screen contrast

These adjustments help people create a reading layout that works best for them.

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Key Message for Teachers and Educators

When learners struggle to read, it is not always because they cannot read.

Sometimes they can read the words, but:

• the text is too dense

• the layout is difficult to follow

• the information is hard to process

Accessible formats like Easy Read reduce these barriers and help learners focus on understanding and remembering the information.

What the Page Can Look Like to Some Dyslexic Readers

For many people with dyslexia, the difficulty with reading is not just about spelling or recognising words. The way text appears on a page can also affect how easily it can be read.

Some readers describe the page as feeling crowded or visually overwhelming, especially when there are long paragraphs and small text.

Common experiences people report include:

• Losing their place while reading

• Skipping lines or rereading the same line

• Words blending together in dense paragraphs

• Difficulty tracking lines from left to right

• Feeling tired quickly when reading large blocks of text

For example, if a reader looks away from the page or someone interrupts them with a question, they may need extra time to find their place in the text again.

This does not mean the person cannot read. Instead, the brain may need to work harder to process and track the information.

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Why Text Layout Matters

The layout of text can make a significant difference.

When text is small or tightly packed, readers may:

• pick up the wrong information

• miss key words

• lose their place in the text

• struggle to concentrate on the meaning

Clear formatting helps reduce these difficulties.

Helpful features include:

• larger text (14–16pt or larger)

• clear spacing between lines

• short paragraphs

• left-aligned text

• clear headings

• visual supports such as images or symbols

These features reduce visual clutter and make it easier for readers to track where they are on the page.

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Why Easy Read Helps

Easy Read materials are designed to make information clearer and easier to follow.

They usually include:

• simple language

• short sentences

• larger fonts

• clear layout

• images to support meaning

These features reduce the mental effort required to decode text and allow readers to focus more on understanding and remembering information.

Accessible formats like Easy Read do not reduce the level of learning. Instead, they remove unnecessary barriers so that people can engage with information more confidently.