Me, Myself and Dyslexia

Me, Myself and Dyslexia
Dyslexia is as much a part of me, as my height, hair colour and personality. In fact it has probably forced a kind of persona on to me, the one where i laugh at myself, and my endless misdemeanours caused by reading things incorrectly.
As an adult, I see my dyslexia as a gift, part of me, which have to work with. One of the main attributes is that my mind works in pictures, so for painting I see the image in my head and for writing I see the story running through my mind like my own private movie.
As A Child…
As a child and especially at school, dyslexia was something altogether more negative. School knew that I was dyslexic; my parents knew I was dyslexic, the educational physiologist on the other hand, when they assessed me for dyslexia said…
Sally is an intelligent girl, who has a communication problem; she cannot get things from her head to her hands’ but (watch the caveat) ‘It’s not dyslexia.
As I was not certificated, I did not receive help, which lead to frustration when I was not able to pick up reading with the same ease as my peers.
1989

I started secondary school, still having reading and writing issues, meaning keeping up with work was difficult. But worse than that was being placed in a low set, and not being intellectually challenged.  My frustration manifested itself in anger, and I referred to as a ‘Difficult Child’, this is a perception that it takes a lot to change.
1990

Due to pure force of will, and pig headedness, I started to prevail. This was helped by supportive teachers who took the initiative to write to the exam boards, explaining of my plight and securing me extra time in my GCSE exams.  
1991

Despite help form teachers, I was encouraged away from subjects like History, and English (I loved to write but told persistently not to), and into the arts.  So I left school with a bag of GSCE’s and four a-levels, and went to Art College, where I eventually got accessed and certificated for dyslexia.
1994
Horary acknowledgment at last!
At aged 18, I eventually got my dyslexia acknowledged, perhaps a little late, but that should help me in higher education’s right?
Well yes – The Local Educational Authority gave me a computer and Dictaphone, to help me with my studies so here is a belated thanks you to Oxfordshire LEA!  -Thank You Oxfordshire LEA!
And No – My university lectures, would not accept that I was dyslexic, and refused to give me extra time for assignments saying
‘You’re too intelligent to be dyslexic.’

What have a learnt on my journey?
Dyslexia is an actual problem. I questioned it myself may times. Am I dyslexic? Is it just that I wasn’t taught Grammar, and spelling rules? Well no, I am quite literally blind to spelling mistakes, and although my grammar is improving, my spelling sadly is not.
People can be ignorant and dogmatic on their view of dyslexia. This is a problem of perception and ignorance. Don’t ever let anyone make you question yourself or your abilities. Dyslexic people are intelligent, and just have additional obstacles to overcome. You have to be defiant and work hard, to do what you want to-do, to the best of your abilities.
Don’t let people tell you what you can do and what you can’t do due to dyslexia.  I was told that I couldn’t write, and I was actively encouraged down one path, and discouraged from others.  The problem is that when I studied the Arts, although I genuinely loved it, I always felt like I was forced into it, which tainted it somewhat and I ended up resenting it. 
Dyslexia should not be a reason to stop you from doing something you love, especially if you have an aptitude for it. It may mean, that you have work harder, find coping mechanisms, and straggies, and support, but it can be done. So don’t give up!
You need to find ways around dyslexia...
·         Spell check and Google search bar for when spellchecker doesn’t understand what you’re trying to say.
·         Utilise Microsoft Excel for sequencing and organisation
·         A grammar cheat sheet, with common grammatical tips on it.
·         Accept help, from anybody kind enough to offer it.
·         Budget in money for an editor to proofread manuscript.
·         Program telephone numbers into phone, (no method from rembering debit card pin numbers yet though…)

To find out more information about dyslexia or for help contact the British Dyslexia Association 
For some great inspiration for dysleixic want-to-be writers check out this interview with dyslexic author Sally Gardner
Also, i did a guest blog on Notes from the Slushpile about the trails of being a dyslexia writer, so how about checking it out!


2 comments:

  1. My cousin has dyslexia and is very intelligent and has gone on to great accomplishments--but still can't spell my name right, and that's okay with me.

    I am sorry to hear that you've sometimes been denied the help you deserve, but also glad to know that you're overcoming it and helping others to do the same. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.

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  2. Thanks Rachel, I do keep at it, but helps that I love writing!

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