UK intelligence agency GCHQ has partnered with charity Made By Dyslexia to launch a puzzle that could reveal if you have some of the traits needed to excel as a spy, to mark National Puzzle Day on January 29. The unique challenge showcases Dyslexic Thinking – a powerful approach to problem-solving and lateral thinking often displayed by people with dyslexia.
The challenge, devised by the agency’s puzzlers, asks you to spot patterns, think laterally and focus on problem-solving – all skills used by staff at GCHQ every day to help keep the country safe. To help you crack the cryptic wordsearch the puzzlers have provided a clue:
“There are two words to find in this word search. One of them is SECRET. The other is also secret, but in a different way…”
Scroll down for the two answers
For over a century, GCHQ has recognised the value of Dyslexic Thinking. The intelligence service has a high representation of dyslexic and neurodiverse individuals across its workforce, capitalising on their natural strengths in pattern recognition, big-picture thinking, and analytical problem-solving.
Dyslexic brains process information differently, forming unique neural pathways that unlock valuable skills such as lateral thinking, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition. Dyslexic Thinking is officially defined as: “An approach to problem-solving, assessing information, and learning, often used by people with dyslexia, that involves pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, lateral thinking, and interpersonal communication.”
The skills are increasingly essential in today’s world. In 2022, LinkedIn recognised Dyslexic Thinking as an official skill, underscoring its value in the modern workplace. The Made By Dyslexia 2024 Intelligence 5.0 report highlighted how AI is transforming the nature of intelligence, making human creativity, adaptability, and complex problem-solving – all Dyslexic Thinking traits – vital across every job sector globally.
Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO of Made By Dyslexia, said: “GCHQ’s recognition of Dyslexic Thinking as ‘mission-critical’ highlights what we’ve always known: dyslexia can be a huge strength, not a disadvantage. Together, we’re challenging perceptions and showing how embracing diverse thinkers can solve the world’s biggest challenges.”
“Charlotte”, analyst at GCHQ, said: “I’m often looking through a lot of data and I find that my dyslexia helps me to see the bigger picture and spot patterns that aren’t always obvious to everyone else around me. I also find that my approach to finding solutions is very different.”
