Dyslexia Voice | Dyslexia in the media | Autumn 2024
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All rights reserved. Dyslexia Voice is published by Dyslexia Scotland. Articles within this magazine provide a view from the author only. Opinions may differ from professional to professional. Dyslexia Scotland may or may not share these views and opinions. Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item within this magazine is not permitted. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Images have been reprinted with the permission of the publishers or copyright holder. We acknowledge the support and funding of the Scottish Government for this work.
Welcome to our autumn issue of Dyslexia Voice. The way we talk about dyslexia in the media in Scotland (and beyond) is so important. In this edition, we have outlined some top tips to help journalists and producers reporting on dyslexia. We also hear from several dyslexic people working in the media sector, including a voiceover artist, visual technician, film maker and journalist, all sharing interesting observations on their roles.
Read about the transformative power of storytelling, not only in general terms but also in spreading awareness about dyslexia. Dyslexic members can learn from the useful advice offered by those who work in the media industry and from the Top Tech tips on page 38. Other contributors have shared reflective words of warning on social media phishing and insightful experiences from parents on being an advocate for your dyslexic children.
Our changemakers, Ambassadors, volunteers and supporters all help Dyslexia Scotland to challenge stereotypes about dyslexia. In our ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature, Trevor Thomson talks about his role over the years as one of our valued volunteers and supporters. Welcome to our new Young Ambassador Orla whose video is now on our website (see page 44) and to a new organisational member, AT Superstore. Thank you to changemaker Jacqueline Kibby for sharing her story on developing dyslexia-friendly fiction for adults and to Rossie Stone who talks about fictional characters he identified with as a child.
We hope our young members enjoy their very own section which includes jokes, a poster to colour in, games and resources.
Dyslexia Scotland’s updates this quarter include:
• 48 teachers were selected to take part in the fourth year of our Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice programme on 31 August. The Panel is currently reviewing end of year submissions from 48 teachers from the 2023 to 2024 group
• HSBC UK awarded us a grant to develop two new modules for teachers to add to our suite of Open University Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice modules. The first new module will share practical learning about literacy development from the Sean Connery Foundation Dyslexia Initiative which has been running in the City of Edinburgh Council area over the past 2 years. The second new module will share learning from the Mission Superheroes programme for primary school children which has also been delivered in Edinburgh during that period.
• Arrangements are well under way for Dyslexia Awareness Week (30 September to 6 October). We have some exciting events planned for the Week, including an evening with Hamza Yassin and the launch of our long-awaited report from a survey of dyslexia adults, ‘Towards a Dyslexiafriendly Scotland?’. We're delighted to announce a partnership with legal firm Morton Fraser MacRoberts who are sponsoring our report. Please note that our winter magazine will come in the form of the report – see our announcement on page 35.
Please wear your Blue Ribbon during the Week (and encourage others to do the same). Your own ribbon is attached to this magazine. For more information about the week’s events, see the link on the last page.
We have launched a survey for members and non-members with the chance to win a prize in the draw. Please encourage non-members to complete this so we can find out how to encourage more members to join. Visit dyslexiascotland.org.uk/prize-draw-survey/
My sincere thanks to our guests and members for your contributions to this edition.
Dyslexia in the media: our view
How we describe and portray dyslexia in news and dramas is an important step in our nation’s development as a dyslexia-friendly country
Our recent nationwide research revealed that 71% of adults with dyslexia in Scotland feel that the media does not accurately portray their experiences. Frustrations ranged from the way the media can sensationalise dyslexia and success stories to the tokenistic approach to including dyslexic characters in drama series.
One participant told us, “Compared to people such as Richard Branson and their success due to dyslexia, I sometimes feel pressured that because I'm dyslexic I'm expected to be that successful or that good.”
Another said, “I don’t come across many people, especially women who are dyslexic [in the media]. Most portrayals of dyslexia are for a special, oneoff episode and it is mostly focused on children, usually boys, and it is never mentioned again.”
Many people said that they don’t see dyslexia represented in the media much at all, and when they do, that portrayals are stereotypes – mainly spelling problems, and not the wider effects of dyslexia.
These findings did not come as a surprise to us. We often question the ways dyslexia is described in news reports, which can make it sound like an illness, rather than a learning difference.
Bad examples
For example, one article reported “Official statistics suggest around 6.3 million people…suffer from some form of dyslexia, and 4% of these suffer from it severely.” Management Today How to manage dyslexia in the workplace
More recently, the Mirror reported that Model and Television Personality Amy Childs’s daughter had been “diagnosed with a lifechanging condition” when she was identified as dyslexic.
Dyslexia Scotland has always strived to help the general population understand what dyslexia is – and isn’t. It isn’t a disease, it’s a neurological difference. It isn’t medically ‘diagnosed’. Our community doesn’t ‘suffer’ from dyslexia – rather we suffer from the prejudices and barriers that society places in front of us.
Here are our top tips to journalists and producers when reporting on dyslexia:
• Use appropriate terminology. Describe dyslexia as a learning difference, brain difference or neurological difference – it is not a medical condition. Use ‘people with dyslexia’ or ‘dyslexic people’ rather than ‘dyslexics’.
• Consider the social model of disability when reporting dyslexia – the problems are not caused by the person but by the person’s environment.
• Not all people with dyslexia have the same difficulties or strengths – be sure to ask the person how it uniquely affects them, rather than relying on unhelpful stereotypes. Recognise that there is diversity of experiences among the dyslexic community.
• Consider how imagery you use might reinforce unhelpful stereotypes (for example, back-to-front letters).
• When quoting an individual or organisation about dyslexia, fact check their statement with reputable dyslexia researchers or organisations.
Behind the scenes
This edition of Dyslexia Voice speaks to Trevor Thomson, Director of video production company Rebel Loop Studios, Dyslexia Scotland volunteer and supporter and Dave Ferguson, photographer
Trevor Thomson
When did you first get involved with Dyslexia Scotland and why?
I found out I was dyslexic when I was at university in England. When I moved back to Scotland I started researching more about dyslexia and I came across Dyslexia Scotland. I went to one of their meetings and found that I had a lot in common with the people there. It felt nice being around other people with dyslexia and just chatting to them about being dyslexic. I decided to contact Dyslexia Scotland and became a volunteer because I felt that my skills in video production and storytelling could help them reach more people. Using video is a great way to reach people in an impactful way - people connect, feel empathy, understand and see themselves in the films and stories. The main thing for me really was helping other people who are dyslexic - I felt like I had to do something with other people going through the same hard experiences or at least help them know they’re not alone.
Tell us about the release of your upcoming documentary on dyslexia and mental health.
I produced the first Scottish-made documentary called ‘No More Secrets’ focusing on the relationship between dyslexia and mental health. I chose the title because I feel I’ve been hiding for a large part of my life, and I feel that people need to talk about their journey with dyslexia. I interviewed people who opened up about the lifelong trauma and suffering stemming from mental abuse and bullying they experienced in school, just because of their learning difference.
I tried and failed nearly every exam until the third year when, surprisingly, I passed a physics exam. I always passed my art exams, but no one seemed to care about that. My physics teacher helped me during lunch, organising my chaotic handwriting in a structured way, which helped a lot. I studied every day and night for two years and eventually passed all my exams. It was an unbelievably painful experience. I now understand that school isn’t everything, but back then, I still couldn’t read or write properly. My struggle is a mirror image of what many dyslexic people go through. I’m so glad I can share my personal story and that of others in the dyslexic community through my documentary and not be scared anymore.
The documentary serves as a wake-up call to those who don’t know about the learning difference and the harm that their words and actions could inflict down the line. The documentary also offers a sense of hope and brighter future to viewers who may be struggling with mental health resulting from dyslexia stigma. ►
Check out Screen Scotland's resources for neurodivergent people working in the film and television industry.
Keep an eye on Dyslexia Scotland’s website and social media for information about a screening of Trevor’s documentary later this year. See page 17 for more from Trevor
► If you've been to a Dyslexia Scotland event or taken part in one of our campaigns, then you might be familiar with Dave Ferguson - our much valued volunteer photographer
Dave Ferguson
I had 3 interests growing up: music, photography and forensics. I was never particularly academic at school and so the possibility of turning into my TV hero ‘Quincy ME’ was never really going to happen.
When I left school at 16 and was lucky enough to start on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) with a photographic business in Falkirk. It was owned by a wedding and portrait photographer, but he also had a retail shop selling cameras and that was where I worked. Retail wasn’t something I thought I would find myself in, but I really enjoyed the interaction with the customers. The business owner kindly added to my £17 a week YTS wages by adding a weekly spend allowance which I saved to get my 1st truly ‘professional’ camera. Of course, in those days it was all film cameras so I was always careful with my
36 exposures in the single film I could afford to get developed and printed. At the end of my YTS an opportunity arose to move to a local record shop in Falkirk and I remained there for 6 years indulging in my love of music and discovered my eclectic taste in music from Jazz to Classical and Pop to Rock. I moved from retail sales to field sales working for various companies selling music around the UK. However, redundancy gave me an opportunity to go back to my 1st love of photography and to attend college where I gained formal photography qualifications. After I left college, I found myself with an opportunity to join Strathclyde Police working in their Forensic Crime Scene Examination Department where I have now been for the last 29 years. So I eventually got my ‘Quincy’ moment.
Photography has always played a part in my personal and professional life, I was always capturing moments especially with having 3 daughters. One of my daughters was identified as dyslexic in primary school and it was through wanting to know more that I came across the Dyslexia Scotland website. I found they were looking for volunteers and one of the opportunities advertised was for a photographer. I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved as a photographer. I started off capturing images at the annual Education Conferences, but it wasn’t long before I was asked to contribute my photography ►
towards internal reports and campaigns.
I especially enjoyed working on the Dyslexia Awareness Week campaigns, creating images that could be developed into interesting concepts by the talented creative team in Dyslexia Scotland. I think my favourite campaign was when I visited people at their places of work showing how their dyslexia wasn’t a barrier to them succeeding in life and work especially when workplaces provided the support required. I even managed to rope my daughter who had just started studying to be a primary school teacher into the project.
As a manager and Union official in my work I now champion neurodiverse issues in Police Scotland and Scottish Police Authority, challenging practices that can be a barrier to people succeeding. All from that email saying "Hey, I would like to volunteer as a photographer."
I hope, with the continued work of Dyslexia Scotland everyone in Scotland, no matter the issues they face, eventually can have the opportunity to succeed. See Dave's portfolio at davefergusonphotography.co.uk ■
Dave photographed the faces of our Dyslexia Awareness Week poster campaigns
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Making it in media
We spoke to three members of the community about their views and experiences of working in media roles
Blanche Anderson: Voiceover Artist
You're very open about being dyslexic, what kind of reactions do you get from clients when you tell them?
Funnily enough I’ve not always been this open, it’s only a fairly recent thing. In fact, I used to try to hide my dyslexia as much as I could throughout my whole education and early career. I used to see people roll their eyes every time I mentioned having dyslexia, like I was making it up or using it as an excuse for
Blanche Anderson, Voiceover Artist
errors, so it put me off sharing.
Over the last couple of years though I’ve felt a shift in public perception which gives me the confidence to mention it to clients, when I feel it’s relevant. Yesterday, I had a voiceover recording with extensive last-minute script changes and I stated to the client I’d need five extra minutes before joining the live voiceover session to prepare. Not only were they hugely understanding, they actually told me they were dyslexic themselves. On the whole, clients tend to be understanding and try to be as flexible they can be when you specify to them what you need.
Reading out loud is some people's worst nightmare - why do you think you've been able to lean into voiceover work for your career?
Trust me, it was my worst nightmare for a long time, too. I distinctly remember sitting in English class at school and longing for the bell to ring so it wasn’t my turn to read out Shakespeare next. I remember struggling with it in university, too. I completed an Acting (BA Hons) degree which involved a lot of sightreading of scripts. I’d always try to cheekily read ahead when I could.
I get a lot of pleasure being creative with scripts so that helps me get in the performance zone and focus less on the technical reading aspect. It took time for the fear to go, but as I gradually started reading more and especially live in front of producers, the fear lessened for me. I still occasionally get a little nervous if it’s a particularly long script, but the safe aspect of pre-recorded audio is that you can re-record until you get it rightand usually people only ever hear the finished polished product.
You recently helped Dyslexia Scotland to promote our national survey of dyslexic adults - what made you want to back this?
Without being cliched, now that I have found my dyslexic voice, I want to encourage others to embrace it and not let it stand in their way. If I can read for a living, something I found/find challenging, then others can conquer their hurdles too. I’m regretful it took me so long to accept my dyslexia but I now recognise it is a real thing, and like Dyslexia Scotland I want all dyslexic people to feel accepted, included and respected. ►
Do you think dyslexia is well represented in the media generally? What needs to change?
Overall, I think things are moving in the right direction, it’s recognised that there are strengths to being neurodivergent now, not just hindrances. People do also seem to be more accepting when they find out you’re dyslexic, so I believe the general messaging surrounding dyslexia must be improving.
BAFTA recently offered me a scribe for an application I was making, so it’s great to see things in media becoming more accessible. I’d personally like to see other traits of dyslexia shared more widely to the public. I think the focus still seems heavily on reading and spelling issues but as any dyslexic person will tell you, there are many more aspects of your life that are affected, like shortterm memory, word retrieval and computing certain information. Equally, it’d be great for the positive parts of having a dyslexic mind to be highlighted further, like high levels of empathy, problem solving and observational skills.
Blanche is a full-time Voiceover Artist. She’s best known for being the station voice of BBC Radio Scotland and the voice of some Lidl tills but she’s worked with a huge array of clients such as Amazon, Samsung, American Express, Nike and Chromebook. You can follow her social media, @ScottishBlanche. To listen to her portfolio, visit blancheanderson.com
Nick Gonzalez: Audio Visual Technician
What was your journey to identification?
I had a lot of problems at school. And like most people, you kind of put it down to yourself, you think that you're the issue. And so, as you as you go on, you constantly develop coping mechanisms to prevent other people from knowing your weaknesses or thinking you're not good enough. It was when I went back to college in my early 20s, I had started to figure out that I was probably dyslexic. It didn’t seem to matter, though, as I got very good grades because I was very interested in
Nick Gonzalez, Audio Visual Technician
and hyper-focused on the subjects I was taking, which meant that I worked really hard.
How does an arts and media role work for you?
Being dyslexic and having ADHD, I tend to kind of focus on very small things and to be very productive for short periods of time, and then not for others. Arts roles suit that way of being because you get employed for your skills rather than the volume of work you do or when you do it.
I’m able to go and do a short period of really intense work and get the job done and then relax a wee bit. I don't have to maintain focus on something boring for hours and hours and hours. In some projects that are very technical I can be doing 12 to 14 hour days, or five or six days in a row with very little break time, but I’m able to do it because it’s a subject that drives me. ►
Is Arts and Media a good sector for neurodivergent workers?
Absolutely. And they are really, really dedicated, and really good at what they do. It’s good because it’s flexible and you can be yourself and work in the way you need to. Like, if some days I come in and think, “I really can't do this task today, or I can't deal with people today”, I don’t have to. Like, if small talk feels hard that day, I can go and work in the warehouse, working things out for the next event and testing, because that still all keeps the project rolling - but allows me to get what I need.
How well is dyslexia represented by the media, in your opinion?
I think people just don't understand. Dyslexia has always been the target of a cheap joke and base stereotypes, and that chips away at me. I know that media has to be concise, you have a certain amount of time, usually compressed between adverts in order to get something across, so the media relies on stereotypes. The problem is the system. A system that doesn't allow proper expression doesn't allow us to delve into something, even a documentary has only a very short window of time to cover a subject fully. And then because the media is so prevalent that then feeds back into communities and society and people repeat those same jokes and stereotypes.
What needs to happen to make Scotland dyslexia friendly?
More identification and more understanding through awareness. The most successful campaign, I think, in my lifetime of any advertising campaign has to be in the drink driving campaign. And it's not because it told people they
Nick is one of the faces of our research report, which is due out this autumn. were going to be fined. It was because it made it unacceptable. And that's where we need to get to, to deal with discrimination of any kind, is just make it unacceptable till it stops. Society is becoming more understanding through labels like 'dyslexia', and I think we need to go through this kind of label stage in order to get to the next bit, which is the progression part.
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
Trevor Thomson: Film Maker
Tell us a bit about working in the media/creative industry as someone with dyslexia.
Working in the creative industry as someone who is dyslexic is interesting. I think that being dyslexic in any workplace can be difficult and you can have issues around processes and how you fit into the workplace. Anxiety levels when you have to do multiple tasks or do any writing or reading out loudanything that puts you out of your comfort zone – can cause stress. It can affect how well you do your job at times and the problem is that you don't want other people to see this.
Working in the creative industry is no different but what I find is there are a lot of neurodivergent people in it and I truly think that being dyslexic helps my creativity. It definitely helps me think and produce content that is different from other people which helps it stand out.
That’s the good thing – as someone who is dyslexic I can think and express myself differently. I think I have insights and an understanding of certain situations which all helps. Working with film and media is a very visual medium, very tactile and you’re involved in everything from colour theory to movement to storytelling to visual metaphors, content and visual communication. I think in pictures. ►
Working in the media industry you have to be very flexible and you always have to think on your feet. For instance you need to look at different camera angles, lighting, working with script shortlists that are basically just a shopping list of shots the clients want to use to tell their story. It’s challenging and exciting at the same time and now that I don’t worry about dyslexia at work, I find that my career and dyslexia feed into each other.
I find that most creative people are very open, so telling people I'm dyslexic really is good for me - it helps me relax and when I'm relaxed, I'm more creative and this all helps my work. I don't see my work as a job, I see it as a passion and vocation - something that I need to do and enjoy.
What advice would you give someone with dyslexia who is considering a career in the creative industry?
I’d say look at jobs that you enjoy whether it's illustration, graphic design, photography, video production, script writing, poetry, whatever. Do something that you love - don't think about the money. You have to put in the hours to become good at what you do. It's a very competitive industry with long hours and it can be hard to make a breakthrough. But if you love what you do you will put the extra hours in. Practise, practise, practise and do your research - look at past masters, people that you're interested in. In the world we're in there's creativity all around you - billboard advertising, Instagram posts, YouTube videos. I use a lot of audiobooks about how to work creatively. The other advice I would give is to understand that being dyslexic and all of the things that come with it, like thinking outside the box and looking at things in a different way, is a strength. More and more companies in the creative industry are looking for dyslexic people because they understand the way our minds work and they see this as strength.
Try to be confident in your creativity and just build on your strengths. Don't sit at the back of the class hiding under the desk anymore - you need to push yourself forward, be confident and use your skills. Explain that to people in interviews and emails that your way is the way you do it. Be positive. If you work hard and nurture what you enjoy, you will make It. ■
Let's Talk Dyslexia - our podcast
Dyslexia Scotland's podcast episodes are available to stream from our website's Resources section. Tune in to listen to media volunteer David Thomson interview dyslexic people about their working lives.
Listen to Let's Talk Dyslexia
Reporting my dyslexia
by Richard James, a guest contributor
Journalism is a career based on words and collating information, both of which can be a struggle for dyslexic reporters
Being a journalist is the only career I ever wanted; it remains a vocation rather than a job. It also seemed, with my awful handwriting and endless misspelled words, a rather far-flung fantasy when I was at school.
For a long time, I chose not to mention my dyslexia at work – it’s only recently that I’ve felt more confident talking about it. I think the reasons are pretty obvious, journalism is a career based on words – reading and writing them at speed – as well as collating vast amounts of information in a coherent fashion, both of which I can find a struggle and certainly take longer than most to do.
I make typos when I write, I can miss typos when I edit, correct grammar can elude me, I can struggle to find the right words for things, especially when speaking in front of people – the list goes on and on.
Others in the industry have told me they hid their dyslexia or were put off pursuing their dream career.
“I was told at 21 that journalism would not be a good career because of my dyslexia,” TV critic Scott Bryan told me. “I proved them wrong.”
Writer Flora Gill says: “I’m not sure I’ve ‘overcome’ my dyslexia as much as realised it’s not something I need to be ashamed of. I used to think people would laugh at me or judge me if they saw me struggling to spell words a child could manage. But I think hiding it is the worst thing you can do.”
She said she now lets editors know of her dyslexia in advance and had “only had positive responses”. “The truth is people don’t really care about your spelling if your writing’s good,” she said.
Wales Online’s Welsh Affairs Editor, Will Hayward, explained it simply as: “I’m just coded differently, I’m basically designed on IoS when the whole world runs on Android.”
All three believe their dyslexia gave them extra skills that added to their journalism careers, rather than detracted from it – something I really wish I’d heard two decades ago.
Founder and chief executive of the Made By Dyslexia charity, Kate Griggs, says: “Four out of five successful people with dysleixa will say they are successful because of their dyslexia, and it’s really important to tell people that you’re dyslexic and lean in to your strengths because they honestly will take you far in life.”
My dyslexia is such a part of me and how I operate in my job, the more I think about it the more it seems mad to have never spoken about it.
Since I cannot process information perhaps as fast as others, I have to make a proper effort to read and re-read every detail. Because I can’t spell particularly well, I double and triple-check the spellings of names and places. My dyslexia forces me to take a beat and make sure the information in front of me is all correct. That, I believe, has been vital in my career as a journalist.
I now wish to properly own my dyslexia. I have two young daughters and if they have dyslexia like me, I’d love for them to experience less stress in starting out on a career with it. It just seems so unnecessary now, especially as Griggs points out with the advent of things like AI and the latest technology revolution. The younger me would have loved to hear all this positivity around dyslexia.
This is an excerpt of an article originally published in ‘The i paper’ in March 2024. Link to read Richard's full piece.
Telling stories
by Ross Duncan, a member of Dyslexia Scotland
The moment her teacher called her "stupid" was a remarkable turning point in Karis's life story
"I was 10 years old," says Karis, entrepreneur and co-founder of Social Stories Club social enterprise in Edinburgh. "I struggled to focus, daydreamed often, and felt constantly misunderstood."
Dyslexia, though unidentified at the time, made academic life a relentless battle. "Instead of retreating, I became determined to demonstrate that intelligence isn't confined to traditional academics."
With unwavering support from her dyslexic mother, who recognised the signs and fought against school policies, Karis began to harness her strengths. "My dyslexia pushed me to think creatively and visualise ideas vividly," she explains. These traits became invaluable as she embarked on her path to become a sustainable social entrepreneur.
Social Stories Club emerged from Karis's vision to amplify social enterprises tackling global challenges. "We wanted to bridge the gap between consumers and impactful businesses," she explains. Through curated gift boxes featuring products from diverse social enterprises, Social Stories Club not only spreads awareness but also provides employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers to work.
The power of storytelling
Storytelling forms the cornerstone of Social Stories Club's approach. "It's not just about selling products; it's about sharing the stories behind them," Karis emphasizes. This narrative-driven model not only drives sales but also fosters connections and educates consumers about social enterprises' missions. "Storytelling has been transformative," Karis reflects. "It's helped us secure funding, engage stakeholders and build a community passionate about social impact."
Karis's dyslexia, often seen as a hindrance in traditional educational settings, became her entrepreneurial superpower. "I may struggle with reading and writing, but I excel in visualizing concepts and communicating them effectively," she says. This ability has been crucial in crafting innovative marketing strategies and delivering compelling pitches.
Despite challenges, including navigating grant applications and pitching competitions that often favour traditional communication styles, Karis remains optimistic. "There's a need for greater inclusivity in these spaces," she says. "Accommodations like allowing voice note submissions could level the playing field for dyslexic entrepreneurs."
As an ambassador for Young Enterprise Scotland, Karis is committed to inspiring the next generation of dyslexic entrepreneurs. "I want children to see dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a catalyst for creativity and resilience," she states. Her advocacy extends to reforming education and business ecosystems to support neurodiversity.
Looking forward, Karis aims to expand her advocacy efforts, speaking more widely about dyslexia in business and influencing policy changes in support of dyslexic entrepreneurs. Her message to educators and policymakers is clear: "We need more visibility of successful dyslexic entrepreneurs to inspire and guide future generations."
Karis's journey from a misunderstood student to a trailblazing entrepreneur underscores the transformative power of resilience and innovation. Through Social Stories Club, she not only challenges perceptions about dyslexia but also redefines entrepreneurship as a force for social good.
How we made the media
by James J Bauer a guest contributor
by James J Bauer, a guest contributor
USA-based James considers the media in its widest sense and its relationship to dyslexia
I was first introduced to the term "dyslexia" through a forgotten television series titled "Ben Casey". In that evening's program the good Dr Ben Casey discovered a young man who saw letters and words backwards. Even though I was in the seventh grade and could not read write or spell I said to myself, "that cannot be me, because I don't see letters or words backwards". However, the term stuck in my head. What the television programme was actually describing was dysgraphia.
In the 1980s I was on the Board of Directors of the Public Television Station, E.T.C. Fridley Minnesota, USA. Our main objective was to provide television access to anyone in the community that wished to make a television program about the subject of their choosing. In 1986 it was awarded The Number One Public Television Station in the nation. This was an incredible opportunity for me to spread the understanding of dyslexia. It was also a call to other people with dyslexia capitalising on their higher verbal skills, creativity and imaginations.
In graduate school, I was determined to write about my own experience as growing up with unidentified dyslexia. In 1992 my work was published under the title of The Runaway Learning Machine, I was now able to utilise the media of publishing in an attempt to spread the understanding and to empower those with dyslexia. Later The Runaway Learning Machine was written into a play and I was now able to spread the understanding of dyslexia using the media of theatre.
In light of the fact that most people could not read, centuries ago artwork was
commissioned as a medium to inform or tell a story. These stories could be of a religious nature, recording history, great military victories or how wealthy and wonderful is the king. Curiously, one of the greatest painters of all time was Leonardo da Vinci, who some scholars believe was dyslexic. Following his death, individuals began to examine his papers and had much trouble deciphering them stating, "Leonardo was such a genius he wrote in his own code", but I believe he was dyslexic, dysgraphic or both.
The media of film and television is greatly represented by individuals with dyslexia, individuals such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Anderson Cooper, Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg are just to name a few.
So what should the person with dyslexia glean from this article? If you believe that your personal dyslexia is holding you back from being part of the media described above, you just might be mistaken.
One of Ellie's Blue Dyslexia Ribbons is attached to the cover of this magazine for you to wear throughout Dyslexia Awareness
Week Scotland 2024 (30 September to 6 October).
Follow our programme of activities on the website.
The adult view
by Liz Rodger, Dyslexia Scotland volunteer
Dyslexic Adult Network meetings allow adults with dyslexia to share experiences
Our meetings in Glasgow during the first half of 2024 have focused on personal dyslexia journeys from school to employment.
Without fail, all these individuals have mentioned how their school experience has impacted their choice of career. They have stressed how comments by teachers and other pupils have been seared into their memory. Comments such as “you will never amount to much” still affect them today. Most of the dyslexic adults at our meetings felt these types of comments built up their mental resilience but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel hurt when they think back to their school experience.
Another thing that is common amongst dyslexic adults (although not exclusive to them) is fear of writing down notes or comments as part of group activities. There is the constant fear that their writing will show spelling mistakes, be messy and the act of writing will be very slow. This fear of being judged is understandable when dyslexic adults discuss the comments or actions of others they found hurtful at school.
If you would like to discuss these issues and more with others who understand, come along to one of our meetings. Workplace support and empathy from others with dyslexia is available at Dyslexia Scotland’s Adult Networks. Meetings offer a variety of dyslexia subjects. See Dyslexia Scotland’s Events webpage dyslexiascotland.org.uk/events to find out more about our Adult Network meetings (scan the QR code below).
I hope to welcome you to one of our meetings in the near future.
Spelling it out
by Angus Davidson, a guest contributor
Videographer Angus shares the technology that he depends on in his job
In September 2023, I was identified as dyslexic. I struggled some years ago when I was studying at the University of Plymouth. Unfortunately, at the time I wasn't able to afford a private assessment and never got support for my difficulties.
Having gone through primary school, secondary school and university, I am frustrated I wasn’t pushed to get assessed. In the UK, particularly education providers, there needs to be more support and systems in place for dyslexia assessments.
My family were aware of my issues with spelling when I was growing up. Rather than getting me assessed, I was sent to a private tutor for spelling and grammar. I believe my secondary school were aware of my issues as they put me in a special class for English but didn’t identify me as dyslexic.
Positives
I believe I am good at thinking of the big picture because of my dyslexia. This is really helpful in lots of different situations including challenges at work and supporting family. As I struggle with lots of information, wherever I instruct someone at work to do something I put a lot of effort into making the instructions as clear as possible. I hope in the future this will help when I progress into more senior roles.
Challenges
Spelling and grammar are significantly affected as I regularly mix letters up when writing messages or emails. It was a nightmare when I was studying ►
A-level Maths, sometimes I would write down answers in exams wrong because in my head I thought of answers like 3.14 but I ended up writing 1.34.
My difficulties on an average day include reading long documents and processing lots of information verbally. Also, concentrating for long periods of time can be difficult so I take several short breaks throughout the day. As I require clear instructions, having to ask several questions to provide clarity about a project can be frustrating. In terms of environment, I prefer to be in rooms with reduced lighting.
In 2023, I was able to get assessed through work and as a result, have been given access to Global AutoCorrect by TextHelp. In just 3 months, the software has helped me 296 times. For the first couple of days the software was installed on my work laptop I wasn't sure if it was working, but when I opened the portal I was shocked to find how many words I had misspelled. You would think a professional videographer would know how to spell the word 'video' but according to Global AutoCorrect, I spell that word wrong the most! The software works brilliantly every day on my work laptop and supports me in all the programs I use regularly including LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
Neurotypical people are so used to others being able to keep up with processing information normally but dyslexic people really need that extra time and support. My message to them is: please be patient and understanding to people with dyslexia. ■
"You would think a professional videographer would know how to spell the word 'video' but according to Global AutoCorrect, I spell that word wrong the most!"
Go phish!
by Suzy Taylor, a member of Dyslexia Scotland
Social media scammers are trying to catch Suzy out - but she's wise to their games
I am all about promoting positive dyslexia, however, I keep seeing people describing it as a superpower. I have found no studies or evidence to back up this statement. It is trying to promote dyslexia in a positive light. However, upon hearing this I think of the movie “The Incredibles.” You must hide your abilities and keep a secret identity that nobody can discover as you are in danger. I also imagine having a superpower I don't want as it will endanger people. If I had laser eyes, I would probably burn down my house accidentally. Please don’t start me on capes as I would trip over it or trap it in any door and choke myself to death.
I am studying to become a criminologist, but am finding that media coverage about dyslexia and crime is limited.
This also leads to another subject I have found with social media. It is called phishing messages (when criminals use scam emails to target victims). I am constantly sent messages through social media from someone claiming to be an international star. I have asked the Fraud Squad UK, Interpol, and Police Scotland for information on the whole subject.
Police Scotland were the most helpful - they phoned me after reading my inquiry into this crime. Why do these people contact me, I wondered. Maybe it is because the perception of dyslexia is that you are not intelligent, or that you are weak, vulnerable and an easy target.
It is also frustrating that the subject of adult dyslexia isn’t prominent in crime research. This is one of the reasons I have been studying criminology. It is great to see role models such as Erin Brockovich, however, she does say she dislikes the label of dyslexia. ►
In my imagination, it would be great to have funding to make a documentary and talk about my experience of dyslexia and crime. I am also sure that STV and the BBC would not make such a programme as it would be boring to view.
I also would love to tell my story on the Graham Norton Show. My opening statement would be about how I have a famous international stalker! This subject may not be taken seriously as identity theft is largely ignored by the police because they can’t convict unless a crime has taken place. I have authored a novel about the subject. I am unsure how the international artist would feel about this subject. Most likely they would think “this woman is crazy”. I have been told this many times over the years. I once received the statement I am not off my trolley, I have lost the trolley and going through life on a set of wheels.
I have been researching what the scammers tell me about the person they are impersonating. I suspect the famous person is dyslexic, but I have no proof. It is one of the reasons I authored a novel, to try and show that people with dyslexia are not just a pile of lazy, daydreamers who are a waste of space. What I discuss is true crime, however, it is all made up in my head. However, breaking down myths about adult dyslexia is vital. Helping people to stay safe online is important as fraud is increasing daily and extremely hard to convict. ■ If you've been targetted by scammers, contact Action Fraud
Edinburgh-based Ciara shares the study tips she's learned from doing a degree course in Occupational Therapy
In my second year, I started to fail a lot of my modules and classes. I didn't have a good study schedule and support and wasn't able to keep up with my course work. Now in my final year, I have found ways which help me stay organised and be able to complete every task.
My advice to other students
• Make sure your Monday to Friday schedule is set with university work.
• Make a table to show which assignments you have on which days and when they are due, tick them off when done. This helps with motivation.
• Plan on taking short breaks every few hours, this will help with concentrating for longer periods of time during the day.
• Lastly, make sure to have support - whether this comes from the professors, tutors, family or friends. Make sure that you're supported and have assistive devices or aids to help with academic work.
I have heard many students say they didn't feel supported but didn't know who to approach. If this is a problem for you, make sure you speak with a lecturer or someone you feel comfortable to talk with. With university work, always make sure you give yourself enough time and allow people to review your work. This can be challenging but it’s worth someone looking over your work so you know you're on the right path.
I hope some of these tips will help people like me in university for their own future. It can be hard living and studying with dyslexia but don't feel discouraged. We have all gone through the same feeling. When you graduate or get a new job or something celebratory happens, then you will look back and say, “I did that all for myself no one else did it for me. I am now at a stage where I am proud to say I have dyslexia and it is what makes me unique.”
Media needs to see inside dyslexic minds
by Kirsty Innes, a member of Dyslexia Scotland
Good communication is key to making change happen, writes mum Kirsty
Media can empower dyslexic thinking and help decision makers truly understand the value of a dyslexia friendly Scotland. Accurate representation is key to achieving this.
As a communications consultant, being an advocate for my 10-year-old dyslexic son Rory has been enlightening. A limited, and sometimes outdated, understanding of dyslexia initially led to him facing barriers to getting the full support that he needed.
It was difficult for Rory to articulate his learning differences because he knew no other way and he had cleverly adapted his own strategies to meet curriculum requirements. I needed to see inside his mind, so that I could support him in communicating his needs.
Together we spoke to his assessor, made good use of the brilliant Dyslexia Scotland resources, attended events, watched videos, listened to the Lessons in Dyslexic Thinking podcast, read books and joined the fantastic Bulletmap Academy. We used all our learnings to create a clear visual bulletmap highlighting Rory’s strengths and needs, as well as those of his school. The impact this made was just incredible.
Descriptors from other dyslexic people that Rory could relate to were particularly useful, including those told by Dyslexia Scotland Ambassadors Hamza Yassin, Paul McNeill and Mark Stoddart. The visual storytelling on BBC’s Inside Our Autistic Minds also helped us explain auditory overwhelm.
Our experience highlights the power of evidence-based visual storytelling, as well as the need for communications to reflect the priorities and available
resources of those we are looking to engage.
With fewer staff than ever before and often thousands of stories to look through each day, many media outlets just don’t have the time to research every story. This is why we need proactive champions who can engage media with well-researched newsworthy stories that accurately represent dyslexia.
I’m hopeful that the next Inside Our Minds BBC series will do just that and that the increased profile it provides will set a precedent for improved representation across all channels - as it has done for autism. The increased topicality this creates will also provide a fantastic springboard for dyslexic people to tell their own stories, if they feel comfortable doing so, and/or to share other people’s stories that they can relate to.
Communications research has shown that people will only take action if they see or hear the same information multiple times. So if we all share and celebrate accurate portrayals of dyslexia on public platforms, it will all help to influence more accurate media representation of dyslexia.
My top tips for sharing your story:
1. be authentic
2. be enthusiastic
3. be confident – you are an expert
4. know your audience
5. picture how others will view your story
6. only share information you are OK with others knowing
7. stick to the facts - avoid myth busting or being defensive
8. look to other stories for inspiration
9. practise telling your story to a friend
10. be clear and concise - there is a limit to how much you fit into any media report.
Strengthen them for life
by Sally Magnusson, a guest contributor
Newsreader Sally says being mum to Rossie makes her proud - she tells us about her experiences of parenting a dyslexic child
What was your emotional reaction to Rossie's identification?
To be honest I was quite relieved. The diagnosis specifically mentioned difficulties with processing meaning, which explained the trouble he seemed to be having in taking information in sometimes, both conversationally and from the written word. I felt that we could now look for strategies for tackling this. And that’s what we began to do.
How have your feelings changed over the years?
At the time, when Rossie was a small boy, I was keen that he shouldn’t grow up feeling “labelled”. I didn’t feel I should be making a lot of fuss about his identification or encouraging him to. This was 20 years or so ago and there wasn’t the same degree of understanding about neuro-diversity: I certainly didn’t have that understanding. Basically, I wanted him to feel as 'normal' as possible and not hobbled by thinking he was different. But over the years I came to realise that understanding his dyslexia actually empowered Rossie to work out really important things about who he is (extremely intelligent, for instance, and not stupid as he was sometimes made to feel by others). And it also empowered me to come alongside him more confidently as he grew into adulthood.
If you could go back in time to Rossie's early and formative years, is there anything you'd do differently?
I like to think I would spend more time trying to see things from inside his head, as I became better at doing later. But with 5 children, all close in age, it’s maybe unrealistic to think I would have done anything all that differently. I’ve always tried to identify and lean into what makes my children tick though, as any parent does – and clearly the more you understand about something like dyslexia, the better equipped you are to help nourish and strengthen them for
life.
What advice would you share with other parents who have just found out that their child is dyslexic?
Look on it as an opportunity to learn together – and don’t try to force your child into tramlines that might work for others but are not right for this child. Look for the ways they can live comfortably in their own skin and inside their own head. And don’t be surprised if they go on to develop in really exciting directions – the kind you never dreamed for them but come to see are exactly right. That child has so much going on inside that will make you proud.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments for you as a parent of a dyslexic child?
It was great when he got his first 'A' in an exam, using cartooning strategies he had developed himself which became the seed of Dekko Comics. Seeing Rossie using his own experience of dyslexia – and his own brilliant imagination – to help others find their own way through has been wonderful. Watching him run his own company and speak in public as an extremely able communicator just fills me with awe.
Announcement: There will be no Dyslexia Voice this winter
Instead of your usual edition of Dyslexia Voice, we have decided to gift all members a hard copy of our research report instead. We will share the results of Scotland's biggest-ever survey of dyslexic adults with you in place of the magazine. This important project is a major step in our efforts to make Scotland a dyslexia-friendly country. By sharing the findings and recommendations, we hope to inspire more people to support our cause.
Look out for the report landing through your letter boxes at the end of the year.
It won't work, they said... Creating dyslexia-friendly fiction
Jacqueline Kibby, a guest contributor
for adults
When Jacqueline couldn't find the format of written media her husband needed, she set up a publishing company to serve the whole dyslexic community
When I started Scorpius Books in 2020, part of the planning was to create a company that tackled the old-fashioned way in which the publishing industry works - hey, sometimes breaking the rules can be a good thing!
My husband is dyslexic yet has always loved books - he'd been brought up with Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit being read to him and our shelves are filled with the military fiction he loves, yet most of them stay where they are for very long periods of time. He simply struggles with reading mainstream fiction due to the layout and size of the text which results in him being put off altogether.
So it got me thinking and I decided to look into dyslexia-friendly fiction. But no matter how much I poked around, I simply couldn't find anything - there were plenty of dyslexia-friendly books out there for children (Barrington Stoke are perhaps the largest mainstream publisher of these) - but there seemed to be nothing out there for dyslexic adults.
I came across the odd Harry Potter edition in dyslexic format, but anything else I found had been either produced at a very low standard or was aimed at such a young audience it was almost embarrassing - why couldn't someone with dyslexia have access to the same fiction as everyone else? I had lengthy conversations with dyslexia associations, individuals and booksellers. But it was clear the publishing industry just didn't seem to want to know.
So I pressed forward with a plan - even then, after tons of research, discussions and investigations, I thought I must be missing a huge part of the puzzle and that it would dawn on me that it couldn't be that simple... I'm still waiting! So we factored in a dyslexia format. This involved cream-coloured paper to reduce glare rather than the standard white; a sans-serif font which was easier to read; increased line and letter spacing to prevent distortion of the letters when read. These font choices also extended to our covers and blurbs.
When that first proof came back from the printer, hubby was the first to look it over and give it the thumbs up, offering a little feedback here and there in relation to the editing and wording, which went into the final version. And so in 2020, we became the UK's first publisher of dyslexic-friendly fiction for adults.
The feedback we've received so far from readers and booksellers has been amazing, and we were even shortlisted for the British Dyslexic Association's Innovation award this year. I am truly grateful to all those businesses and individuals who took a chance to support a tiny new publisher who needed that one shot to prove themselves. It's a shame there isn't more fiction out there being created with a wider audience in mind and we hope that Scorpius Books can at least make a small contribution to remedy that.
Great fiction should be available to everyone and we fully support indie authors and publishers who are willing to dip their toe into the water, take a chance and break the rules for everyone's benefit!
Top tech tips
by David Shuster, a guest contributor
Tech guru David recommends six tools to help dyslexic thinking
As Managing Director of Managed IT Experts in Edinburgh, I'm committed to enhancing accessibility and learning for people with dyslexia. Many individuals with dyslexia face significant challenges, particularly in the workplace. These are the tools that I suggest trying to help overcome these challenges.
1. Text-to-Speech Software
Text-to-speech (TTS) software converts written content into audible speech. This technology aids dyslexic individuals by allowing them to process information through listening, enhancing comprehension and reducing the strain associated with reading. Examples include:
• Natural Reader, a versatile tool supports multiple formats and includes a dyslexia-friendly font, making it an excellent choice for various educational and professional settings (naturalreaders.com)
• Voice Dream Reader: Known for its extensive customisation options, this app allows users to adjust voice and text display to suit their preferences (voicedream.com).
2.
Speech Recognition Software
Speech recognition software facilitates effortless writing by converting spoken words into text. This is ideal for people who find typing difficult or tedious. One example is Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Renowned for its high accuracy, this software enhances productivity by providing reliable voice-totext functionality (nuance.com).
3. Dyslexia-friendly fonts
I also suggest trying dyslexia-friendly fonts, which are specifically designed to improve reading speed and accuracy by addressing common visual reading errors. Open Dyslexic, Dyslexie and Inconstant Regular were all designed with dyslexia in mind.
4. Reading and Writing Tools
To enhance writing skills and manage written tasks efficiently, these tools are great:
• Grammarly: This tool provides real-time spelling and grammar corrections, significantly improving writing quality (grammarly.com)
• Ghotit: Specialising in complex dyslexic writing errors, Ghotit offers contextsensitive corrections, a valuable resource for those with severe dyslexia (ghotit.com).
5. Educational Games and Apps
Ok, so these interactive apps and games are tailored for children specifically, but they can significantly engage dyslexic learners, reinforcing language skills through fun, interactive content. These tools not only make learning enjoyable but also promote effective retention and understanding:
• Dyslexia Quest: Enhances memory and focus with engaging gameplay
• Nessy Learning: Provides games based on structured literacy principles (see nessy.com for both).
6. Organisational Tools
To help you overcome common organisational challenges, try these digital tools designed to manage tasks, notes, and schedules:
• Microsoft OneNote: Excellent for note-taking and organising data, helping users keep track of their educational or work projects efficiently (onenote. com)
• Google Keep: A simple tool for creating reminders and to-do lists, ensuring nothing is overlooked in a busy schedule (keep.google.com).
Rossie Stone - a real character
Founder of Dekko Comics Rossie Stone - and one of our very own AMbassadors - shares his views on dyslexia's representation in the media - and why relating to fictitious characters helps learners to find themselves
How well is dyslexia represented in the media, do you think?
I have seen more things pop up on telly like neurodiversity documentaries or the term neurodiversity being used – and programmes like The Good Doctor. None of these are dyslexia, per se, but I'm seeing more of a trend of that start to emerge and neurodivergence starting to become more normalised.
Improvement for me personally would be dyslexia just being normal in society
and being accepted as normal; not seen as a big deal. I think dyslexia has made so much progress over the years. In many ways, compared to some of the other labels, dyslexia has made some of the best progress - in my opinion. From what I've seen, over the years of starting my work with Dekko Comics, it seems to have less emotional baggage and stigma nowadays compared to other forms of neurodiversity such as autism or Tourette's. But of course, I think there's always improvement that can be made. I would just like to see it keep going in the direction of normalisation.
What role models or characters did you identify with in the media growing up and why?
I had two characters that I really identified with. Calvin from the Calvin and Hobbes comics by Bill Watterson because Calvin's the sort of boy who always grew up in his own imagination and really struggled to connect with school, as well as with other people. When I was younger, that was the case for me. In one comic, he says, “they tried to teach me, but I was too tough for 'em”, and he was just a weird, funny kid. But clearly you can also see behind that fun, he was struggling as well: struggling to relate to the people and norms around him, struggling to understand how to do anything right at school, letting his imagination carry him away and get the better of him...
I also saw myself in Bart Simpson in one particular episode of The Simpsons. In the episode 'Bart Gets an F', he is struggling at ►
school and he eventually gets threatened that he'll have to repeat a year. I could really relate to him drifting off into daydreams whenever he tried to study or wanting to do something naughty or fun instead of studying.
Later in this episode, Bart actually takes his studying more seriously than he ever has before and actually tries to give it his best shot. There’s even a moment where he's slapping himself to make him concentrate and, in a way, I sort of did similar things like that to myself at times. And there's this really heart-wrenching moment near the end, which always made me sad, where he breaks down in tears in front of the teacher when he gets yet another 'F' after honestly trying his best - feeling like an utter failure. And the thing is, when I look back at it, it felt really close to home. This boy, who was a cheeky wise-kid beforehand, who’s always got something to say back to the teacher, actually breaks down in tears. He sobs to his teacher, “You don't understand. I really tried my best, and this is the best I can do, and I still failed.” Though he does get a pass in the end, because he gets an impressive off the record question correct, that scene and that episode really struck a chord with meeven way back then as a 6 to 7 year old watching it.
What are your hopes for dyslexia in education and the media?
My ideal would be that one day for all of this just to be seen as the human brain. The brain has always been diverse. It always came in lots of different shapes and sizes, types and wirings. I hope we get to a point where we don’t need the labels anymore. The labels are only as useful as the disadvantageous situations people who learn differently find themselves in, where they face prejudice based on the way a system has been set up.
Rossie’s philosophy underpins the work of Dekko Comics. Educators can take part in their online video courses and subscribe to the comics. See more at dekkocomics.com ■
Young and dyslexic
Are you young and dyslexic? Then get the t-shirt that shows it! Available from the Dyslexia Scotland online shop.
Meet our new Young Ambassador! Orla is raising awareness of dyslexia in her local community. Check out her video on Dyslexia Unwrapped.
Dyslexia in the media: from misunderstanding to empowerment
by Abigail Stevenson, Dyslexia Scotland Young Ambassador
In the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor, dyslexia is shown in a negative way, making it seem like people with dyslexia are 'stupid' and can't achieve their dreams. The character Rafe, who is dyslexic, dreams of becoming a pilot. As a child, he and his best friend, Danny, would pretend to fly. Rafe would name the planes and write the names on the side, but the words were always crooked and misspelled. People would tell Danny, "don't spend time with that stupid boy." This shows how little people understood dyslexia back then, often thinking it meant someone wasn’t smart.
Over the years, our understanding of dyslexia has changed a lot. In the 1970s and 1980s, dyslexia wasn’t recognised like it is today. Instead, kids who had trouble reading and writing were often called 'slow' or 'dumb'. Thankfully, people now know more about dyslexia, and this change is also seen in movies.
For example, the 2021 movie Not Broken shows dyslexia in a more positive way. The film follows a young woman named Winter, who struggles with dyslexia and finding her place in the world. Even though she failed in school and had a challenging time keeping a job, she discovers that when she finds something she loves, she can do it well. This movie shows that dyslexia doesn’t define what a person can do, and everyone has their own strengths.
Today, people are still learning more about dyslexia, but we’ve made a lot of progress since the 1970s and 1980s. Movies are slowly changing from showing old stereotypes to more accurate and encouraging stories, reflecting a better understanding of dyslexia.
Get involved in Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland!
Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland 2024 is 30 September to 6 October. There are some brilliant resources on our website that you can use in your school or club to raise awareness.
Dyslexia Awareness Week
Scotland stuff right here
Could your school or club raise funds for Dyslexia Scotland? Jumble sales, sponsored activities or random donations are all very welcome! Every penny you send to us helps us to make Scotland dyslexia friendly.
