Dyslexia Awareness Week 2016 - Living with dyslexia

What do Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver have in common? All of these successful celebrities were diagnosed with dyslexia!

Dyslexia Action reports that one in 10 people are dyslexic, more than 6.3 million people in the UK, but as it is a hidden disability in many cases you would never be able to tell. Throughout history people have managed to overcome stigma, difficulties at school and special educational needs to excel in public speaking, literature and business. So what strategies and tips can those with dyslexia pass down to children today?

The British Dyslexia Association found that people with dyslexia make up almost 20% of the entrepreneurial population in the UK, with the US figure being even higher at 35%. Richard Branson agreed, saying that, “being dyslexic can actually help in the outside world. I see some things clearer than other people do because I have to simplify things to help me and that has helped others”. Concentrating on your strengths rather than your weaknesses can help develop coping strategies and open doors to new opportunities others may not have considered.

Famous authors such as Agatha Christie and Dav Pilkey, author of the children’s books Captain Underpants, never let dyslexia get in the way of becoming famous authors (Agatha Christie was the world’s bestselling author of her time, equalled by Shakespeare and surpassed only by the Bible). In fact Dav Pilkey created the world of Captain Underpants on a desk in the corridor of his school and could perhaps say his career as an author was launched because of his educational needs, dyslexia and ADHD. Dyslexia certainly does not impact a person’s creativity and with the right level of support and provisions in place there should be nothing to get in the way of writing a bestseller or achieving in schools.

Jamie Oliver also has dyslexia; he said he regretted his time in school because “I never really understood dyslexia and who could bring out my strengths.” There is no benefit in suffering in silence. It is important to talk to teachers, schools and the local authority to ensure you make the most of all the support that is available during school years.

Top tips for dyslexics

1. Practice, practice and practice reading!
   Find a book, magazine or a cartoon that grabs your interest and spend a little time every day reading. For some, listening to audiobooks or podcasts is a great introduction into reading and becoming more confident with phonetics.

2. Gain writing independence by using assistive technology and new innovative solutions to help with writing and spelling.

3. Learn your strengths – could you be a future entrepreneur or are you creative? Find strategies that help you cope with your dyslexia and make the most out of your strengths at school.

4. Ask for help if you need it. If your school is unable to provide the level of specialised support you require, consider applying for an EHC needs assessment and receive additional support funded by the local authority.