Q 1How old were you, when you realised you had difficulty with reading and spelling. And was there any other areas in your time in education that you found difficult e.g. math lesson, day dreaming?

Q2 Do you have other disabilities along with dyslexia, e.g. dyspraxia?

No

Q3 Did you receive a statement for your dyslexia, if so how old were you?

When I was 38 at University .

Q4 What support have you ever received for dyslexia?

At university, I received learning aids, laptop, support Tutor and
Extra 25% time for exams and Assignment deadlines

Q5 Do you feel there is enough support within
your communities for children and adults coping with dyslexia? if no why?

No definitely not. I suspect my son may have it, however his school has not met any effort to assess his needs without my intervention. I think they have a lack of awareness to how prevalent it is. When I was at school, I tried so hard particularly with my English and hand writing but my grammar and punctuation was of key no matter how hard I try. The one that stands out the most is when I writing words exactly how they sound eg musik, hellow...pbdq are letters that I got mixed up when I was little.

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Also when stress, general written tasks are challenging. In maths my struggles were retention, I could not remember formulas, it was just like my brain had completely shut down, I would grasp the understanding of the lesson, in the moment, then when asked the next day, it was gone. Until this very day, I still struggle with maths. I wanted to become an Art teacher but because of the requirements this had to be put back on the back burner.

 

I tried to develop my teaching at a school that I was employed at did not support me and hindered my progression. I left as there were no professional development as i needed extra support for my maths. The community does not no much about dyslexia, most children who struggle in school, in terms of speaking, language, grammar and writing often feel embarrassed causing them to loose their focus and direct there frustration elsewhere often to exclusion. I work in PRUs and see the struggles of students, some can not comprehend the curriculum  and therefore require 1to1 tutoring

Q6 What would you like to see in the future for those coping with dyslexia?

More screening from primary school age and people who suspects they maybe dyslexic. Affordable or free screening for low income families. More awareness in the community, more #metoo conversation as I believe that breaks down the stigma.

Q7 Name some of your gifts that has come along with having dyslexia, and what has it taught you?

I used to doodle a lot, I’m an artist so my strength are in the creatives. I am very analytic and ambitious.