Dyslexic Parenting

Genevieve Dawid is both a dyslexic and a parent of a dyslexic. Her daughter, like herself took many years to be diagnosed with dyslexia and then receive help. Genevieve's goal is to convince you that dyslexia is a gift and not a burden.

I have dyslexia and I am proud of it. However I wish society had more of an understanding and less of a misconception about what dyslexia is. I have read all sorts of research about the scientific reasons that may cause dyslexia. Whilst the articles and reports make excellent reading and seem very informative, as a parent of a dyslexic I am more interested in the day to day practicalities of living with this condition.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that manifests primarily as a difficulty with written language, particularly with reading and spelling. Dyslexia is the result of a neurological difference but is not an intellectual disability. Most people with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence. (source:Wikipedia 2007)

As my daughter started school I asked teachers at three different schools that she attended, "Is my daughter dyslexic?". As my daughter was very bright and a beautiful writer and reader, they all stated that I was reading into something that simply wasn't there. Her father, a non-dyslexic, was also adamant that our daughter was dyslexic. It was only after a £250 test and starting college, that it became fully apparent that she was dyslexic, dyspraxic and had acalculia. Only then did she begin to receive the support she needed: extra time during examinations and excellent support when she started university.

When I was a child, dyslexia had hardly been heard of. My parents invented ways of learning which were ground breaking and really helped with my learning. However, if diagnosis and support isn’t offered by schools, dyslexic children are definately at a massive disadvantage to their peers who are without the learning difficulty.

I have recently written a self-help book, called "The Achiever's Journey" for dyslexics (and non-dyslexics) based on my work as a professional mentor. Throughout the book, I am able to share some of the brilliant philosophy my parents passed on to me, which taught me to deal with my dyslexia and dysphasia. It is in part a biography of my life: how I have succeeded with dealing with dyslexia and also my progress in life and in my career. The five-point philosophy identifies personal challenges, provides a plan and ways to implement specific methods of dealing with problems. There are also tools to track, progress and change. In the book I also talk about transcending the mind. This is a when a person (child or adult) draws like a mirror image of their mind. Seeing the end products can provide a valuable insight into how to identify their problems.

Whilst writing my book I discovered many independent organisations that offer help and advice for dyslexics. I desperately do not want the next generation to suffer like myself and my daughter. I shudder to think how many people have suffered with dyslexia in the past and lived without the relevant support and may have never reached their full potential. Luckily enough these organisations are helping more and more dyslexics fulfil their capabilities. I am an international lecturer now and unbelievably an author; something I thought I would never achieve!

So if I can do it, believe me anyone can! Just go for it.