Online Courses and Certifications Beneficial for Dyslexic Learners

Learning doesn’t have to feel like school. It can feel like progress.

If school left you feeling like you just weren’t good enough, you’re not alone. Many dyslexic professionals carry the weight of that experience into adult life. But the truth is, you can learn new skills. You just need the right format.

That’s where online learning shines. Flexible, self-paced, and often visual or interactive, online courses allow you to engage with new skills in a way that works for your brain. And when you pick the right platforms, the learning becomes not only manageable but exciting.

Below are the top online learning platforms and specific course types I recommend regularly to dyslexic clients. These aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re game changers for confidence, career development, and future-proofing your skills.

🧰 Platforms That Work for Dyslexic Thinkers

1. LinkedIn Learning

Use it for: Business, communication, leadership, and soft skills courses.

Cost: Free trial / Subscription ~£24.99/month (often free through libraries or employers)

Why it works: Clear video lessons, transcripts, bite-sized content.

LinkedIn Learning makes it easy to learn in small bursts. You can watch lessons on your lunch break or between meetings. The clean interface and ability to speed up or replay videos make it ideal for dyslexic learners.

Recommended Courses:

• Improving Your Focus by Dave Crenshaw

• Time Management Fundamentals by Dave Crenshaw

• Speaking Confidently and Effectively

✅ Why it helps: Bite-sized, visual learning with replay options for better retention.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Builds key communication and time management skills across teams.

2. Coursera

Use it for: University-backed certifications, digital skills, and career foundations.

Cost: Free audit option / Certificates from ~£39

Why it works: Structured, goal-based, and includes subtitles + transcripts.

Coursera gives you access to world-class teaching without the pressure of traditional academics. You can learn at your own pace, revisit lessons, and even download materials to study offline.

Recommended Courses:

• Learning How to Learn by UC San Diego

• The Science of Well-Being by Yale

• Google Project Management Certificate

✅ Why it helps: Flexible structure lets you pause and revisit material as needed.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Builds critical thinking, wellbeing, and leadership capability.

3. FutureLearn

Use it for: UK-based courses, personal development, and mental health topics.

Cost: Free limited access / Unlimited from £5.99/month

Why it works: Discussion-led learning, great layout, easy to navigate.

FutureLearn helps learning feel human. With built-in discussion boards and well-paced lessons, it allows dyslexic learners to reflect and engage deeply, not just consume content.

Recommended Courses:

• Understanding Autism, Asperger’s & ADHD by the University of Derby

• Digital Skills: Social Media by Accenture

• Wellbeing and Resilience at Work

✅ Why it helps: Encourages reflection, social interaction, and inclusive discussions.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Supports emotional intelligence and team wellbeing.

4. Skillshare

Use it for: Creative and entrepreneurial skills, design, marketing, and freelancing.

Cost: Free trial / Subscription ~£14/month

Why it works: Visual-first content, real-world projects, casual tone.

Skillshare feels more like a creative studio than a classroom. It’s filled with hands-on lessons that give you real results, whether you're building a brand, designing slides, or improving your storytelling.

Recommended Courses:

• Presentation Essentials by Simon Sinek

• Creative Writing for Self-Discovery

• Productivity Masterclass by Thomas Frank

✅ Why it helps: Great for visual learners who prefer showing over telling.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Enhances creativity and outside-the-box thinking.

5. Udemy

Use it for: Affordable, on-demand training on almost any topic.

Cost: Courses typically range from £10–£25 (frequent discounts)

Why it works: Lifetime access, easy navigation, pause-and-play features.

Udemy courses are like having an expert tutor on call. Whether you're improving your Excel skills or learning how to be a better presenter, you can take your time and learn the way you want.

Recommended Courses:

• Neurodiversity at Work: Embracing Different Thinking Styles

• Confidence on Camera: Make Great Videos Without Fear

• Microsoft Excel – Beginner to Advanced

• Productivity & Time Management for the Overwhelmed

✅ Why it helps: Tackles dyslexic pain points like confidence, overwhelm, and organisation.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Builds practical, everyday skills across multiple departments.

6. Dyslexic Thinking by Made By Dyslexia (Dyslexic U)

Use it for: Celebrating and empowering dyslexic thinking at work and beyond.

Cost: Free (on Microsoft Learn)

Why it works: Built by dyslexic minds for dyslexic professionals.

This is more than just a course; it’s a movement. Created with support from Richard Branson, these free, accessible modules are the perfect way to understand, own, and advocate for your dyslexic strengths.

Recommended Courses:

• Dyslexia Awareness: Spotting Dyslexic Thinking

• Supporting Dyslexic Thinking in Work & Education

• Leadership & Innovation for Dyslexic Thinkers

✅ Why it helps: Gives language, confidence, and pride in your way of thinking.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Builds long-term inclusion through understanding and practical training.

7. OpenLearn (by The Open University)

Use it for: Free entry-level courses in a wide variety of fields.

Cost: Free

Why it works: Low-pressure, accessible learning with optional certificates.

OpenLearn is like a sandbox for adult learning. You can try courses on tech, business, health, or even space exploration, without pressure or cost.

Recommended Courses:

• Succeeding in a Digital World

• Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Reality

• Making Sense of Mental Health Problems

✅ Why it helps: Encourages curiosity without overwhelm.

✅ Why workplaces benefit: Offers team-friendly CPD with zero barrier to entry.

✨ Final Thought: You don’t need to learn like everyone else, just learn like you.

These platforms open up new doors, on your terms, in your way. Whether you’re ready to step up in your role, pivot to a new industry, or just learn something for you, this is your moment.

At Pro Dyslexic, we help professionals build sustainable careers and help workplaces understand how to offer the right support.

Our Support Hub includes step-by-step guidance for employers and neurodivergent staff, including training with tools like these. Our Walk a Mile Workshops deepen understanding and show how small adjustments can lead to a big impact.

You’re not asking for special treatment. You’re asking for an opportunity to thrive. And that benefits everyone.