This year, Dyslexia Awareness Week centres on the theme ‘What’s Your Story?’, inviting us to listen to the diverse experiences of dyslexic individuals.
So, what is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects reading, writing and spelling. It often stems from difficulties in processing phonological information with impacts seen in phonological awareness, working memory and processing speed, making it challenging to decode words and recognise spelling patterns, particularly at speed. This can also impact an individual’s ability to recall and retain information when reading. Dyslexia does not reflect a person’s intelligence, and whilst a formal identification of dyslexia acknowledges the underlying phonological processing impacts, it also provides an opportunity to highlight the remarkable, creative strategies that individuals have frequently employed in order to succeed. Many dyslexic individuals have honed impressive abilities to tackle challenges, utilising visual strengths and superior interpersonal skills along the way. Time, effort and dedication are traits also commonly seen.
A key message this year is that 'it’s never too late to change your story'. In the field of occupational health, it's common for people to seek formal identification of dyslexia later in life. Many share stories of challenges they've faced, often searching for explanations for obstacles that have lingered for years. The challenges and frustrations that often accompany a later identification of dyslexia are significant chapters in many individual's lives and form part of their complex stories.
Receiving a formal identification of dyslexia can bring a wave of relief - a validation of one’s experiences and the start of a new chapter. In the workplace, the focus shifts to adjustments and support, recognising the compensatory strategies developed over time while also enhancing their innate strengths.
So this Dyslexia Awareness Week, take a moment to pause and listen to someone else’s story. The world is full of narratives waiting to be shared, and you just might find inspiration in the stories of others.
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