WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability, which affects the way information is processed. People’s misconceptions of dyslexia can be that you are unable to read or write.  Dyslexia affects the way you manipulate language, due to how you process information. In most cases, the best way to approach learning is a multisensory approach. Dyslexia can affect every aspect of your life, which can include language-based activities, organisation and time management. Often there are mental health impacts. This is not because of the actual disability itself, but bullying, negativity, avoidance or hiding their disability.  All of which cause anxieties, lack of self-belief and self-worth as well as lack of confidence.

 

There was a frequent pattern when working with dyslexic adults; lack of both confidence and self-belief. How a negative incident regarding their dyslexia, in school or during childhood, directly or indirectly, had impacted and shaped them as adults.

 

This didn’t mean that they weren’t capable of achievements throughout their life, but they doubted their own success, believed they were going to get ‘found out’ for having their “dirty little secret” (direct words from a client), which they wanted to remain hidden. I am referring to people across all walks of life, from academics to people whom have a labour-based job. Anyone being told they shouldn’t or couldn’t, but did, is an accomplished person.

 

How can we expect children to live and thrive with dyslexia if they see and hear adults around them talking about dyslexia in a negative way?! Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where everyone appreciates a brain that works in a different way, the fact is – we don’t! That doesn’t mean that a dyslexic brain should be thought of as anything other than a functioning brain. Dyslexia comes with problems, more often than not mental health issues, but there are also strengths which include having high levels of empathy, thinking outside the box, great problem solvers, three-dimensional thinking, creative, observant and innovative.

The book ‘Am I Different – Jack and Kangaroo’s Dyslexic Adventure’ was created to empower and educate children primarily with dyslexia, but can be related to any difference/disability. The story follows a child and a kangaroo on a dyslexic journey, from the initial ‘scary’ diagnosis, to when the child notices he is different, concluding with an empowering endnote.  The focus was simple, to empower children. To let them take ownership of their dyslexia, yes, they are different, this does not mean they are stupid. Where in the definition of different is the word stupid?! The story promotes a child who has the struggles and a label of dyslexia, the realisation that he is different and he struggles with certain things, but that he is still able and capable. I truly believe anyone with dyslexia can do and be anything they choose, will it be easy, no! They will have to work twice, maybe even three times as much as a non-dyslexic.  Is that fair, no! But life isn’t always fair, with the correct support and understanding of their dyslexia, which this book promotes, we can encourage children to thrive.

 

The aim of this book is to break down barriers for children with dyslexia, help them believe in themselves when adults around them who are doubting them. The purpose is to help educate children and adults alike, to help minimise the negative thoughts and opinions of uninformed people regarding dyslexia.

 

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