Insight and Support from Natalie Diamond at Surrey Holistic Centre
Being Dyslexic, or not even knowing you are Dyslexic can be quite a scary place. As a young girl receiving any form of communication, came with red tape and barriers. Not fully understanding instructions meant I couldn’t learn in the way that others could and you try writing down notes when you cannot remember the information being relayed to you. … I’ll let that sink in for a while….
It is a common misconception that being dyslexic means you have problems with reading or writing. However, it is far more encompassing than this. Below is the most up-to-date definition of Dyslexia, and because individuals with Dyslexia have problems with working memory let’s keep the definition to the point … cut to the chase, please.
“Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed”
There are many hypotheses and theories out there that are ever-changing and evolving, but I feel it’s important to understand firstly, that Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which can make day-to-day living sometimes highly amusing but also tricky. Most Dyslexic individuals, undiagnosed or when diagnosed are told that they have learnt coping mechanisms as a way of a workaround, as a way to work within society without being caught out. I know this to be true because at the age of 16, when diagnosed I too had learnt similar coping strategies in an attempt to keep my head above water. The brain is clever like that…it will forge a way forward to survive.
Some refer to Dyslexia as a superpower in a PR-type promotion way. To boost understanding surrounding this learning difficulty I can see how many people may relate to this especially young children as it’s identifiable, but it is important in therapy to meet people where they are at, never assume someone may see this as a negative or a positive, just silently meet them where they are at work out how they do their Dyslexia.
I feel it’s important and this stage to mention that Dyslexia doesn’t come as a standalone difficulty it can be partnered with co-occurring difficulties such as Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism etc. You may be surprised to learn that 70% of people with Dyslexia have ADHD which means having dyslexia rarely presents in its raw form, you may be even further interested to learn that 30% of people who have ADHD have autism…. but let’s not get defined by these figures. The most important thing to understand is that Neurodiversity and being on the spectrum has always been with us in society. It has always existed, it’s just that individuals are leaning into the labels a little more. Ever heard those words find your tribe? I think that is what people are doing here…finding an association a sense of being and feeling comforted by that fact. For me, the most important thing is to accept any diagnosis you have but not to let it define you. Often diagnosis can help propel you along in a positive way and if anything, it’s going to make you one hell of a determined person.
So, if you’re a parent who suspects Dyslexia with their child/teenager the first thing to do is not panic. I can tell you now this will not hinder them and they will likely have a fulfilling life or career should they choose it. Identifying as Dyslexic does have remarkable positives, like recognizing its strengths such as having the ability to think outside of the
box, utilising the left more creative side of the brain forcing many into the creative industries. As you may be aware many entrepreneurs are Dyslexic and it is well documented.
You are likely surrounded by many Dyslexic people on a day-to-day basis without even realizing it-they are the succeeders and the achievers, possibly driven by a core belief that they are not good enough. I don’t mind sharing that this is my core belief but it has propelled me along and made me who I am today.
A friend recently commented that they didn’t understand how a teacher could be Dyslexic…….???? How can someone who is Dyslexic possibly teach another?? Remember, if ever in any doubt we work in all professions…
Try telling any Dyslexic person they cannot do something and they will prove you very wrong. It just makes them more determined to get ahead and achieve.
If you are an adult, who is struggling to get ahead in the workplace or organize your time, you are not alone. Diagnosis is key, as it enables you to fully understand your difficulties. Once understood, tools and techniques can be applied to your day-to-day life and help you get ahead. I feel it is best not to avoid diagnosis with a learning difficulty, after all, why make your life difficult when you have the opportunity to thrive, showcasing who you are and what you have to offer the world?