Dyslexic Wake Up Call
Assessed in the early 80s as a dyslexic due to my parents moving to a rural area with a small school. 2 Teachers, 24 Pupils and 1 Classroom, “I mean small.” One teacher noticed my learning difficulties and a child psychologist confirmed dyslexia. This, of course, didn’t mean much to me at that point in my life. But, moving on to high school, what can I say? Placed in a remedial class, singled out a lot, perceived as slow and stupid. Also, names such as spastic and retard were flung at me. “Playing to my strengths,” I achieved grades for many subjects. Proving that you can have dyslexia and achieve your goals!
Working Through This
Once I went into employment, I never thought about being dyslexic as a problem. I moved from many small jobs and finally settled into a more permanent company. Finally, after many years, I moved into an administrative job that I wanted to do. Little did I know that my dyslexia was going to show up, and everyone noticing would cause grief and hassle. I finally came out with being dyslexic, taken with disbelief and where was the paperwork to prove it? Searching high and low for it proved futile, it appeared lost! However, my HR officer brought in an outside specialist who worked with dyslexics.
Positives and Negatives
Being dyslexic around my wonderful family, partner and friends? Well, above all they see a creative, caring, smart, funny intelligent person.
Yet, in the outside world, I have found throughout my life the title of Dyslexia to be negative. People tell me I am stupid, retarded and hiding behind a title. Minds made up that I am thick and its nothing but illiterate idiocy.
I am at present waiting for Access to work move forward with “reasonable adjustments.” The need to learn again in a happy environment. Show others that because you are dyslexic you can be whatever you want and never let the label wear you down.
A Dyslexic is Not Alone
I love the Steve Jobs quote
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Think Different.
People like Richard Branson also inspire me and show me never to give up.
The biggest problem with being dyslexic is believing in yourself, stop feeling stupid. I am proud to be dyslexic and would like to encourage anyone to live the dream they want. Do not listen to people putting you down as many don’t understand it is a different way of thinking.
There are other members of my family who are dyslexic. I would encourage anyone to join dyslexic groups and be able to talk about your frustrations.