Dyslexia has long been thought of as that thing that makes it hard to read - and people are often made to feel dumb because of it.

But we're learning more and more that reading and writing isn't really an issue. In fact some dyslexics read brilliantly - before they even start school - it's just once they're in the classroom they're lost and left behind in a curriculum that doesn't work for them.

In this episode Sonia Gray finds out about how schools are failing our dyslexic kids, and how the trauma of education is deep-rooted right into adulthood.

She speaks to Michael McWilliams who found school a nightmare, dropped out at 15, then turned his life around.

And dyslexic researcher and champion, Dr Ruth Gibbons, who talks about the amazing strengths of the dyslexic mind.

GUESTS:  


Dr Ruth Gibbons - Massey University Social Anthropology lecturer
Michael McWilliams - 23-year-old entrepreuner
Jane Kjersten - Michael's mother

Dyslexia has long been thought of as that thing that makes it hard to read - and people are often made to feel dumb because of it. But we're learning more and more that reading and writing isn't really an issue. In fact some dyslexics read brilliantly - before they even start school - it's just once they're in the classroom they're lost and left behind in a curriculum that doesn't work for them.
In this episode Sonia Gray finds out about how schools are failing our dyslexic kids, and how the trauma of education is deep-rooted right into adulthood.
She speaks to Michael McWilliams who found school a nightmare, dropped out at 15, then turned his life around.
And dyslexic researcher and champion, Dr Ruth Gibbons, who talks about the amazing strengths of the dyslexic mind.
GUESTS:  
<ul>
<li>
Dr Ruth Gibbons - Massey University Social Anthropology lecturer
</li>
<li>Michael McWilliams - 23-year-old entrepreuner</li>
<li>Jane Kjersten - Michael's mother</li>
</ul>

At least 20% of New Zealanders are believed to be neurodivergent, but there is very little awareness, understanding and support for people with conditions such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia.

Sonia Gray has a neurodivergent daughter and is an ADHDer herself. In this 10-part series she’ll talk to dozens of experts and people with a lived-experience of neurodiversity to better understand how we can support and celebrate those whose brains are wired differently.

No Such Thing as Normal is brought to you by NZ Herald and Team Uniform, with support from NZ on Air and launches June 10th. New episodes are available every Saturday.

At least 20% of New Zealanders are believed to be neurodivergent, but there is very little awareness, understanding and support for people with conditions such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia.
Sonia Gray has a neurodivergent daughter and is an ADHDer herself. In this 10-part series she’ll talk to dozens of experts and people with a lived-experience of neurodiversity to better understand how we can support and celebrate those whose brains are wired differently.
No Such Thing as Normal is brought to you by NZ Herald and Team Uniform, with support from NZ on Air and launches June 10th. New episodes are available every Saturday.

No Such Thing as Normal

Episode 14: Dyslexia - Are we getting it all wrong?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f270c53d-6edf-4f8a-9efa-b1d500511824/transcript

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