When my daughter Robyn started school, she found it incredibly hard to master the basics of reading and spelling. Despite trying really hard, this became an incredibly frustrating task for all of us. She could often read more complicated words like “beautiful” but would struggle to read simple words like “cat”!  Her teachers told us that one day it would just click, but by primary 4, there wasn’t much clicking going on.  Around this time we took Robyn to an educational psychologist who, after spending the afternoon with her, confirmed that Robyn was dyslexic. 

Dyslexia is a relatively common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 people.  It has nothing to do with intelligence, but is connected to different ways of processing information, which can make basic skills such as reading, spelling and rote learning, difficult.

However, these differences can lead to skills which are highly valued in the adult world, such as innovation, creative skills and keen problem solving abilities. Often this accompanied by a strong determination to succeed, from years of trying super-hard to master the basics that others find easy!

Through a leadership programme at work, I was recently given the opportunity to work with Dyslexia Scotland, a national charity which aims to raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia. Their aim is to encourage and enable children, young people and adults with dyslexia to reach their potential in education, employment and life. 

So, if you know someone who is Dyslexic and would benefit from the help of Dyslexia Scotland please pass this on.  Similarly, if you think Dyslexia Scotland could offer help to your business to make the most of dyslexic potential take look at their website to see how they could help.

Lastly, Robyn is now about to leave P7, and with the support she has had, is right where she needs to be.  She would love to see mum jump out of a plane though, so any donations would be very much appreciated to make sure I don't back out!

Thank you 😊