Avsnitt
-
When Emily Gee became that student at school who was left behind and forgotten, it was hard to see where she fitted into the world. Always having that sense at school that something wasn’t quite right when struggling with common challenges of dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Emily always found comfort and confidence in the performing arts.
Being a talented performer, Emliy found her place in the world, and whilst she would always struggle with the challenges which come from dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia, performing not only brings her joy, but is also the area where she excels the most in.
Surrounded by the right support and encouragement from some great teachers and her parents, Emily learnt to lean into her strengths in performing arts, share her talent with everyone, and not to overthink and dwell on what she found a challenge.
The traditional school system would commonly ask students to stand up and read chapters of books and write on the blackboard (old school interactive white boards for those who didn’t go to school in the 1980s). But never do teachers ask students to stand up in front of the class and sing. In Emily’s experience, she had teachers which would celebrate her talents by welcoming her to sing at the front of class as opposed to reading.
These early days of building confidence in your strengths as opposed to focusing on weaknesses are incredibly formative for most people with dyslexia. For Emily, with the support and encouragement she received, she studied performing arts at university and is now pursuing a career in that field.
From Emily’s experience, support for dyslexia was plentiful. Most teachers are fully aware of the challenges people with dyslexia face, and how to support them. However, this was not (and still is not) the case for dyscalculia.
Very little is known about dyscalculia, how to identify it at school, and to support people with dyscalculia. It is the reason and through Emily’s experience that she is an ambassador for the Dyscalculia Network.
Emily is now on a mission to share her experience and help others get the support for dyscalculia that they need as early as possible.
If you are a parent with a child who has early signs of either dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia, this episode is for you.
https://dyscalculianetwork.com/dyscalculia-ambassador-emily-gee/https://dyscalculianetwork.com/Key Topics:
Surviving school with Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. Leaning into her strengths through encouragement. Sharing experience to spread awareness.-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
When a life changing moment spawned a desire to understand herself more and figure out why she struggled with spelling and reading, our guest in this episode, Usha Patel, put aside all her years of training and experience as an Architect, and retrained as a Neurocognitive Therapist.
After setting up her own therapy practice in London in 2008, Usha has helped countless children and parents with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. Because everyone is different and each brain works differently, Usha introduces unique and bespoke solutions for each child.
In Usha’s therapy sessions, she discovers how each child learns through the process of play. Using play as an ice breaker and a way to connect with children on their level, Usha gains their trust and finds a much deeper understanding of how their brain works.
One method which is not widely used in the UK but has found much success with Usha is the Infinity walk Method. Developed in the 1980s by clinical psychologist Deborah Sunbeck. Infinity Walk is a therapeutic method for progressively developing coordination. It strives to improve the sensorimotor functioning of those who practise it.
If you are a parent of a child with Dyslexia or ADHD, this episode is for you!
WebsiteCase Studies
Find Usha At:Key Topics:
What is Neurocognitive Therapy,How Neurocognitive Therapy could help you or your child,The Infinity Walk method, Reading techniques, andDyslexic challenges in the workplace.-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
What is it like working in the government? What is it like working in the front bench of the government? What is it like leading a major government department through a deadly pandemic? What is it like doing all that, with Dyslexia?
Well, that was the job of the well known and proud dyslexic, Matt Hancock.
Most people in the UK will know Matt Hancock as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and he became a very familiar face during the COVID -19 pandemic.
What most people may not know is that Matt Hancock is a very proud dyslexic person.
In this episode of the podcast, Matt tells us about how his dyslexic strengths helped him to reach a senior level in government, in particular, Big Picture thinking, and Communication.
Now as a backbencher in government, Matt remains a big advocate for the dyslexic community and ensures that their needs are being heard by the very top, through the introduction of the “Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill” to parliament.
In this episode you will hear what led to Matt receiving a late diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 18, while studying at Oxford University and the help that he then experienced which in turn, has supported him throughout his life.
WebsiteAccessible Learning Foundation
Recorded in person at The Dyslexia Show 2024 on 15th March 2024.
Find Matt at:Key Topics:
What is it like working in UK Politics as someone with dyslexia?UK GovernmentCOVID -19 The Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training BillThe formation of the Accessible Learning Foundation-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Do you find that, because of your dyslexia, you are interested in loads of different things which seemingly don't go together!? Our host is an Automotive Engineer turned Dyslexic Podcaster, not an obvious link.
Well, this is the theme of this podcast.
This is a truly amazing life story of navigating dyslexia, travelling around Europe, writing, teaching and Eating Psychology Coaching!
In this episode we meet an amazing person, Kathy Elkind! Kathy has lived a full and exciting life all while navigating the challenges of dyslexia.
I think you can agree that, on the face of it, writing a book, planning for a 3 month expedition around Europe, training to be a coach and coaching people in Eating Psychology, and teaching don’t all naturally link together. But when you throw a Dyslexic mind into that mix. Suddenly it starts to make sense.
Kathy's story demonstrates how many dyslexic people are multi-interests people. Not only that, when we find something we’re passionate about we go ALL IN!
However, people with dyslexia can often feel guilty for having multiple interests which don't seem to marry together. When you listen to this episode you will feel inspired and empowered to keep up with all of your interests.
Kathy’s Book “To Walk it is to See it”Key Topics:
What is an Eating Psychology Coach?Teacher’s approach to Dyslexia through the decades,Taking an Adult Gap Year to go Travelling,How to support children with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia, Writing a book,Discovering ways to feel positive about your dyslexia!-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
When Nathan was diagnosed with dyslexia at 35, he couldn’t believe that this is what he had battelling with all through school and university and then in the workplace. And then finally with the diagnosis of dyslexia was able to access the support needed to thrive in work.
Later, Nathan set-up as a coach to help others with neurodiveristies like dyslexia and ADHD so that they too can thrive in the workplace.
In this episode of the podcast, Nathan shares with Matthew Head his journey with Dyslexia and gives insights of techniques he uses with his coaching clients to help them find solutions on their own.
Nathan is a coach, trainer and facilitator who has been focusing on 'neurodiversity in the workplace' since 2015. Nathan supports teams and individuals to help them amplify their strengths and manage the things they find difficult.
Nathan has worked across the technology, engineering, commercial and non-profit sectors in leadership roles.
In addition to Nathan's experience in the workplace, he also has personal experience within the family of neurodiversity, shaping his innovative approach to supporting individuals and teams to be their most effective.
Nathan is accredited with the British Dyslexia Association as a workplace needs assessor, in addition to holding qualifications in coaching from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the international coaching federation (ICF).
Key Topics:
Coaching,Finding you have Dyslexia later in life,Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism.Find Nathan at:
LinkedInWebsite-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.
(BDA Guidance on Dyscalculia)
In this episode of the podcast, Matt Head speaks with the founder of the Dyslexia Show, Arran Smith ahead of the 2024 event which brings Dyscalculia into the show to help raise awareness and help people find the support they need in this area of neurodiversity not often discussed. March 3rd 2024 is Dyscalculia Awareness Day so it makes sense to raise awareness about it on this podcast this week.
The Dyslexia Show, the foremost exhibition in the UK devoted to dyslexia and neurodiversity, aims primarily to empower and provide understanding to those affected by dyslexia and neurodiversity. It endeavours to cultivate a more profound insight into the diverse ways in which education, parents, the workplace, and individuals themselves can extend support and awareness.
Arran shared with us how the Dyslexia Show Started and how it’s growing and the aspirations of the Dyslexia Show in years to come.
This is Arran’s third appearance on the podcast. If you want to listen to more from Arran then you can listen to Episode 17 and 45!
Key Topics:
Dyslexia ShowDyscalculia ShowFind Arran, Dyslexia Show and Dyscalculia Show at
Arran's LinkedInDyslexia ShowDyscalculia ShowKeywords:
Dyslexia, Dyslexic, Dyslexia Show, Dyscalculia-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
It's a topic not often talked about, the pressure fathers feel to be both successful at work or as an entrepreneur AND be a great dad.
For fathers, it can often feel like you get pulled in opposite directions by others but also by themselves to want to be a great dad and a successful career.
Historically, fathers have been the bread winners whose role it is to financially support their family by bringing in a secure income to protect the family. Today it is also common that fathers should (and want to) be more involved at home with the children.
This can often be a conflict between the two and often feel like as you succeed in one area you start to fail in the other.
In this week's episode, our host, Matthew Head is joined by entrepreneur and coach Lee Eldridge who specialises in coach Dads who wants to balance work and being a Dad better.
Lee discovered he was Dyslexic at University in his 20’s and today he believes that his unique dyslexic strengths makes him the effective coach he is today.
Lee wants to help dads that struggle to focus and have a lack of energy to be able to engage with their children and become better leaders!
Key Topics:
Discovering have dyslexia in your 20’s,Being a natural coach because of dyslexic strengths,Sports coaching,Being a dad whilst juggling having a successful career.Find Lee at:
Thriving Business DadYouTube ChannelLinkedIn-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Back in the 1990’s dyslexia was not seen in the same way it is today!
A lot has changed in the past 30 years (outside dial up internet, mobile phones, wide screen TVs, DVD’s, and interesting haircuts) the way dyslexia is seen in schools and workplace has changed significantly.
But there is still more to do!
This episode’s guest Donna Stevenson tells us how, today companies want to learn more about dyslexia and other neurodiversities and even appoint more into roles within their organisation. Donna tells us that this wasn’t quite the case in the 90’s when she started working with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) after a short career break from teaching.
Donna Stevenson started her career as a Nursery Nurse and a Primary School teacher, where she developed a passion for supporting those learners with dyslexia. At this time, the training for teachers to all children with ‘specific learning difficulties’, which included dyslexia, was crammed into an afternoon. Feeling like it wasn’t enough and wanting to do more, Donna decided to pursue her passion to help people with dyslexia.
Over the years at the BDA she worked with children and adults with dyslexia; working within education and workplaces to raise awareness and champion the Dyslexia Friendly approach.
Her passion in the latter part of her career is now supporting adults in the workplace through delivering training and as a Workplace Needs Assessor. She has recently joined the Success With Dyslexia (SWD) team as Head of Training and Assessment, utilising her years of experience to create a global service.
In this episode Donna tells us how sharing lived experience is invaluable to better understanding dyslexia and educating people on how to succeed with dyslexia. Donna pulls for my own lived experience with her father having had dyslexia.
Key Topics:
Seeing children with dyslexia as a ‘write off’ and wanting to do more to help people with dyslexia learn.Pursuing a passion to help dyslexic people at school and in the workplace.How dyslexia was seen in the 90s, but there is still more to do!-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
In this episode, we step beyond dyslexia and dive into the psychology of humans and how we’re born with characteristics and how experiences shape how we approach life.
You will remember that we spoke with Lee Povey in episode 58 as Lee discussed with host Matthew Head; Men's Mental Health, Dyslexia, Athletics, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance. In this episode, we discuss coaching and human psychology and how that shapes who we are and how we respond to situations.
When you layer dyslexia over human psychology, it is easy to see how experiences in younger life affects how adults with dyslexia perform in the workplace.
Lee’s background is in Sports and specifically cycling, but his life experiences and battle with his own mental health has grown Lee to a phenomenal coach for athletes and business leaders.
In this episode Lee explains how these past experiences and our learnt responses to them, is what is affecting our ability to success and often what Lee does with his clients is identify what is holding them back and show them how to take notice of the emotions, take a step back to evaluate the situation, and grow from a renewed perspective.
Lee tells us that, before you can help others you need to help yourself and understand yourself. For people with dyslexia, this is particularly important, as dyslexia is so unique and different for everyone from distinct challenges, to amazing strengths. And understanding our own dyslexia strengths and challenges is the first step to succeeding with and because of dyslexia!
If you want to understand yourself better and what you can do to be successful by changing your mindset, this is the episode you need to hear!
CoachingHuman Psychology Understanding yourself moreHow to peel back the layers of past experience to understand your response to situations,How to notice your emotions, and adjust your response to deal with the context of the situation and not just the content.
Key Topics:Find Lee at:
Lee's pervious episode LinkedIn Instagram-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Technology which helps many dyslexic people throughout the world started life in a place you might not expect!
In this episode we meet the CEO and founder of texthelp whose aim is to help everyone to understand and be understood!
texthelp creates assistive technologies software to help people with dyslexia in many computer applications.
A life of assistive technology started out with Martin writing code to help his father communicate after suffering a stroke leaving him unable to talk.
Today Martin, winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 award, is committed to helping dyslexic people in their workplace and helping employers support their dyslexic colleagues. What has happened is that this assistive technology is not just helpful for dyslexic people to level the playing field, but also helps other, more neurotypical, colleagues become more productive.
With the advancements of assistive technology, the typical dyslexic challenges will not hold back dyslexic people in using their dyslexic strengths!
Key Topics:
Strokes.Computer software.Assistive Technology.Supporting dyslexic people in the workplace.Find Martin at:
texthelp websitetexthelp LinkedIn-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Last Episode of 2023!
To finish off this incredible year full of amazing insights from equally amazing guests, we’re changing from our usual format for a one-off episode with our host Matthew Head answering some of your burning questions!
Join Matthew for a coffee (tea or other hot beverages also allowed) to discuss Matthew’s thoughts in an unscripted Q&A session!
Hear Matthew’s thoughts on hiring and retaining dyslexic people in the workplace, what dyslexic strengths Matthew has and uses in his work as a Engineer, what are employer’s most undervalued dyslexic strengths, and many more!
If you have enjoyed listening to Dyslexia Life Hacks throughout 2023, why not drop us a message on social media or our website and tells what episode you enjoyed most!
We hope you have enjoyed another year of dyslexia life hacks and we hope you have a great break over Christmas and New Year. We look forward to bringing you even more insights, perspectives, and dyslexia hacks in 2024!
Key Topics:
Hiring and retaining dyslexic people in the workplaceCommon Dyslexia strengths,Hacks for improving your efficiency on work,Common undervalued dyslexic strengths-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Have you ever found yourself masking your dyslexia so much that you stop being You!?
In this episode we catch up with past guest on the show, Kirsty Heap, as we find out how Kirsty has got on leaving her corporate job and going full time self-employed, and what's that like for someone who is Dyslexic!
Kirsty shares that, in her corporate job which she worked in for years and reached a very senior level, she never felt like she was able to be herself and found that the constant masking and hiding the real Kirsty was exhausting!
Kirsty‘s move to self-employment made sense where she could be her real self and be happier at work than ever before!
In this episode you can discover helpful hacks if going it on your own is something you want to do but are worried your dyslexia will hold you back.
Key Topics:
Masking who you really are to fit in,Finding yourself, and happiness in being yourself, andMaking the jump into self-employment!Find Kirsty at
LinkedInWebsiteKirsty's was first on the show in episode 27.
-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
1,500!
That’s the number of micro-traumas neurodivergent people experience just at primary school age (5yrs - 12yrs). This includes things like saying; “you’re not trying”, “you’re lazy”, “you don’t work hard. You need to work harder!”. When we hear words like this what is actually being heard is “you’re not good enough” “you’re not worthy”, “you’re not enough”. It’s an attack on your personhood.
In this episode, our host Matt Head is joined by Devon Lowndes, Co-founder and Director of ‘Self Agency’ as they discuss the importance of finding belongingness and the impact of micro-traumas and how to navigate these challenges.
Devon has Dyslexia and ADHD and therefore has first hand experience of these micro-traumas that many neurodivergent people experience in a life-time. Devon tells us that these micro-traumas don’t leave physical scars, but we do hold them within our bodies which has a far reaching impact in all areas of our lives, be it at home, at work, or in education!
In this episode, Devon tells us how she found belongingness and how important this is to thrive with dyslexia. Because, when you’re expelling energy to masking, assimilating or pretending, you can focus that energy for your own success! Devon, like many other neurodivergent people, know what it’s like not to feel like you fit in anywhere and how much you crave feeling like you belong.
Self Agency was set-up to shine a light on neurodiversity and give everyone the tools to understand the challenges and enable organisations to evolve their cultures. Devon believes that, people with dyslexia, dyscalculic, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, OCD, Tourette syndrome, mental health illnesses and acquired neurodiversity (such as trauma) have a wealth of strengths to bring to our society, and it’s time that they were recognised and valued.
Key Topics:
Not feeling like you fit in,Finally finding belongingness,feeling like you can be 100% yourself, what are micro-traumas, andhow to navigate these challengesFind Devon at-
LinkedInSelf Agency-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
At school, Matt Bird was placed in remedial English classes and left school education believing he was stupid. It wasn't until he was in his 20's when his mum suggested he may be dyslexic and should get tested. This was the first time Matt had even heard of the word 'Dyslexia' but the description started to make sense of the challenges he had faced when he was at school.
Since leaving school, with a little nudge from his friends, he started his book writing career and he has now authored 20 books, has won a book of the year prize and writes for publications such as The Times newspaper.
Wanting to share with people how he writes books and help them to achieve others' dream of writing a book, Matt now coaches 100+ people a year to become authors and publishes 50+ books a year. Matt believes that if he can write a book, then so can everyone!
Matt Bird is Founder CEO of 'PublishU' enabling over 100 people a year to write, publish and launch their books to a global audience.
As part of his giving back he is Founder of the global foundation NAYBA helping thousands of churches worldwide to better love their neighbours.
In this episode, Matt Bird discusses with our Host Matthew Head about what growing up was like, and how it all changed when he found he had dyslexia.
In this episode Matt will share some of what he does to write a book which might help you too!
Key Topics:
Growing up believing you are 'Stupid'Finding you have Dyslexia in your 20'sWriting the first book with a little nudge from friends,Helping 100's of people write their own book!Find Matt;
https://www.publishu.com/https://www.publishu.com/free-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Of course, we all know the common challenges of dyslexia in reading and writing, but few know how people with dyslexia can improve their reading and writing skills, and even excel neurotypical people in these two areas.
Few know more about helping dyslexic people in this area than our guest for this episode Russell Van Brocklen.
Russell is the founder of Dyslexia Classes, an ed-tech startup focused on teaching-learning different students (especially students with Dyslexia) how best to overcome challenges with Reading, Writing, and Comprehension skills.
With a background in Neurological Communications and from own experience with his own Dyslexia, Russell has developed a unique system for teaching writing that not only significantly improves the writing skills of highly motivated students with dyslexia, but also builds their reading and organisational skills and their confidence for long-term success.
In this episode, our host Matthew Head explores the benefits of using AI to help bridge the gap between the skills of people with Dyslexia and their challenges. With AI now popping up everywhere it is difficult to see how the future jobs are going to sway more towards the skills which people with dyslexia excel most in.
Key Topics:
Understand what dyslexia is helps to identify ways to educate people to improve their reading and writing skills,Ways to improve reading and writing, andHow to use AI to level the playing field.Fined Russel at:
Dyslexic Classes (affiliate link)Ebook-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Training in a competitive sport in any arena requires dedication, commitment, sacrifice and a lot of hard work. To reach the peak of your sport to compete in the olympics is an achievement not obtained by many. It is hard enough for anyone from most backgrounds to achieve. When a neurodiversity is thrown into the mix, it makes that achievement all the more impressive. No other success story compares to this episode’s guest, Olympic Rower for Team GB Caragh McMurtry.
Starting out rowing from a young age, Caragh explains to our host Matthew Head, how sport for her was a way of communicating her world to others.
Knowing that something was quite fitting from a young age, Caragh tells us how the immediate reaction was to be misdiagnosed and treated for Bipolar Disorder and various other mental health condition ignoring or missing the signs of Autism. The side effects from the medication worsened her ability to perform at the level she wanted so that she could succeed in internal rowing competitions.
It wasn’t until 2019, 5 years after being misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, that Caragh was finally diagnosed with High-functioning Autism and got the support she needed! “It gave me permission to be different and now I’m happier than I’ve ever been!”
After retiring from professional rowing after the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics Caragh set out to as her mission to make sure that no one goes through what she did and to help other people with neurodiversity through sport.
“I founded Neurodiverse Sport CIC in response to the current lack of understanding and support available for neurodivergent athletes, and intend it to be a platform for support, education, and advocacy. “It is my belief that no athlete should feel misunderstood, isolated or unable to reach their full potential because they do not conform to neurotypical standards of behaviour and communication.”
This is an incredible story which everyone needs to hear!
Neurodiverse SportKey Topics:
Being misdiagnosed with Bipolar for Autism,Being treated for mental health and ignoring signs of neurodiversity,Training for the olympicsLearning about Autism and getting the correct diagnosis,Building a charity to support those with a neurodiversity through sport ‘neurodiverse sport’.-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Starting her primary education in Ghana in west africa, this episode’s guest Elizabeth Takyi was penalised in the class room for poor spelling and ready by the use of the cane. This traumatic experience with education gave Elizabeth the feeling that ‘this is just the way it is. I must be stupid’.
Moving to the UK for secondary education, Elizabeth became more disassociated with education and would regularly be ‘naughty’ and bunk off school.
It wasn’t until leaving an abusive relationship and, in trying to prove everyone and herself wrong that she was in fact not stupid and could be just as successful as everyone, Elizabeth started a University course in HR. After completely failing the 1st year Elizabeth discovered that she had Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Not knowing what this meant she struggled to know where to turn before the time of ‘Google’.
It wasn’t until the support from college who supplied Elizabeth with assistive technology when Elizabeth started sore passing all of the subsequent years at university.With this new found confidence Elizabeth started ‘Aspire2 Inspire’ providing support to business owners with dyslexia and helping others in the same way that Elizabeth was supported.
She now works in her dream job being an ambassador for neurobox where she continues to spread dyslexia and intersectionality awareness.Doing all this and being a single mother of three is tough and inspiring.
Key Topics:
Childhood trauma from being caned for not being able to read or write,Leaving an abusive relationship and aspiring to prove you’re not stupid!Finding out that you have dyslexia, getting the right support, then flying,Setting up support for business owners with dyslexia,Being unemployed and trying to find a job whilst disclosing you have dyslexia, andFinding the place where you belong!-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
One really under appreciated dyslexic strength is the ability to absorb information quickly and explain complex topics in a way that is engaging and easy to understand!
It is the very specific dyslexia skill set which propelled our guest in this episode, Stephen Martin, to become a highly successful entrepreneur.
Growing up in New Zealand, where the school system did not recognise dyslexia, Stephen's dyslexia wasn't picked up until his family moved to Saudi Arabia and continued his education in a British school.
In this fascinating conversation with our host Matthew Head, Stephen tells us how he leveraged his ability to absorb information quickly and be able to teach it to others in the form of an engaging narrative, turning complex topics into an easy to understand format which started his entrepreneur journey.
Stephen also acknowledges the people in his life who have supported him. His biggest supporter being his mum who, upon finding out Stephen had dyslexia, became an overnight expert in dyslexia to make sure Stephen got all the support he would need in life.
Stephen not only has his own marketing business, but also runs a dyslexia online community with its own podcast, Truth About Dyslexia. By Stephen's own admission, he needs just a little too much to do to feel comfortable and motivated which he believes he owes to his dyslexia and ADHD!
This is a great episode not to be missed!
Key Topics:
Absorbing information quickly,Leveraging narrative reasoning, Life as an entrepreneur, andBeing just a little bit too busy to feel comfortable and stay motivated,Links to Stephen work -
Truth About Dyslexia - https://truthaboutdyslexia.com/Truth About Dyslexia Podcast - https://truthaboutdyslexia.com/adult-dyslexia-podcast/Virtual Innovation- https://virtualinnovation.co.nz/irtualTruth About Dyslexia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6eO96kabO3y66aUeaEKbIg Truth About Dyslexia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthaboutdyslexia/ Truth About Dyslexia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetruthaboutdyslexia/ Truth About Dyslexia Quiz: https://form.jotform.co/80858341883871-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Ever wondered how dyslexia is seen in different cultures and other countries? Do all countries assess dyslexia in the same way?
Well.. in this episode, our guest, Dr Martin Bloomfiled reveals the answer to these questions, and it's not what you might think!
Martin breaks the mould of what many might consider ‘dyslexic’. Like most children with dyslexia, Martin was branded ‘lazy’ and ‘class clown’ by his teachers. Now, having achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy, and being an active advocate for people with dyslexia, no one can say Martin is ‘lazy’! Martin is the person to speak to when you want to know what dyslexia across the world and in different cultures is like!
In this fascinating conversation with our host Matthew, Martin discusses a broad range of topics, from what school life was like, finding out at 30 you have dyslexia, navigating dyslexia with varying different strategies, different types of dyslexia, and what it’s like to achieve a Doctorate with dyslexia.
Being an active advocate for people with Dyslexia, Martin tells us about all of his work development resources for people with dyslexia, particularly creating a world map of all the dyslexic specialist schools on Google Earth!
This is a great episode not to be missed!
Key Topics:
Achieving a Doctorate,Finding you have dyslexia later in life, Different ways other countries/cultures assess and see Dyslexia, andFinding new strategies to navigate the challenges of dyslexia,Links to Martins work:
Dyslexia Compass - https://dyslexiacompass.eu/Dyslexia Bytes YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DyslexiaBytesDyslexia Bytes Website - https://dyslexiabytes.org/Dyslexia Maps - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1PiCs2_O4LOnJw7eBqLZivmiZLwB1AJVb&ll=3.236577596599851%2C44.899282970601405&z=2 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-bloomfield-dyslexia-bytes/-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter -
Sometimes, providing support to people with dyslexia can be indirect.
What does this mean…?
Well, in this episode Matthew is joined by Mark Woodward from neurobox as he explains why the trend today is to support, coach and train those middle managers of organisations to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding of what leading people with neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, looks like.
When leading people with a neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, it is more than just understanding the legal requirements of an organisation, it’s about learning what support people with neurodiversity need and how to provide that support. Specifically, people with dyslexia think and work in different ways from those who are ‘neurotypical’ such as approaching problems from a novel or unique perspectives which are not obvious to others.
Supportive leaders and managers go much further than just getting the best out of their neurodiverse team members. Leaders and managers who show understanding and willingness to learn more, make people with a neurodiversity like dyslexia feel supported, like they don’t have to hide away their challenges, and removes a lot of pressure. Furthermore, leaders and managers who remain curious remove a lot of pressure from themselves, demonstrating that you can work through challenges and seek the most out of the dyslexic strengths together.
Mark is a coach working with individuals, organisations, and managers to provide coaching and training to better support people with neurodiversities such as dyslexia.
After a lifetime of working with neurodiversity, and more than 13 years of supporting others with neurodiversity - and disabilities - mark has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting not just people but also teams, managers, and organisations. From helping design and deploy neurodiversity, disability and wider ED&I policies, through to working with individual managers and employees.
Spending time with many dyslexic people, Mark found that he also possessed many of the similar traits of dyslexia and often wonders and considers being formally diagnosed. Through the shared set of traits, Mark has found passion in working with neurodiverse people and specifically people with dyslexia which drives his commitment to supporting people.
Visit:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswoodward/
Website: https://neurobox.co.uk/
Key Topics:
Learning about dyslexia and other neurodiversities ,Coaching,Working with organisations to design ED&I policies, and Working with leaders and managers to learn about neurodiversity.-
Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter - Visa fler
