My Dyslexia Story: Lois Leaver-Breakspear
Thursday 14 November 2024
I was diagnosed with dyslexia and a visual processing disorder when I was in Year 5. My mum and dad knew I was experiencing challenges at school because my reading and spelling ages were so far behind other children. I always loved school and was curious about everything but I did know that I learned differently to other children because I very often couldn’t understand the teachers' instructions.
Dyslexia makes it hard for me to learn because I find it hard to follow what the teacher is saying.
I struggle to concentrate at times and end up zoning out. When I read, the words seem to move around the page, and I can’t keep up. It’s difficult to make sense of what I am reading. When I am asked to copy something down from the board it feels impossible because every time, if take my eye off the board I cannot track where I was. It’s very confusing and can be overwhelming lots of the time because everyone else seems to be following along except me.
My curious mind
Dyslexia has been a positive thing for me too because I know I am a bit different to others and that makes me stand out. My mind works differently to others, and I know I ask lots of questions, so I understand! I am untested in lots of things and even got a Curiosity Award when I left primary school!
Teacher support
At primary school, it wasn’t so bad because I had a teaching assistant who worked with me most of the time so that I didn’t get behind. It was scary when I first started secondary school because I knew I couldn’t keep up with everyone else. It took a while for my teachers to get to know me and how I learn, and that made me quite anxious. It's better now because the teachers check in on me to make sure I understand during lessons. They support me and adapt their teaching to meet my learning needs. This means I am starting to feel less anxious at school which is good.
My achievements…so far!
I was proud last year because I got an award at the end of year 8 for displaying our school values all the time. It was good to know that teachers were recognising how hard I was trying. Also, in the summer I won the Manager's Player of the Year for my football team. I loved that!
My advice to others recently diagnosed with dyslexia
It’s important to talk to people about how the challenges at school affect you. Being dyslexic will mean you have to work harder than everyone else but it also makes you a strong and resilient person!
I would like everyone to know how common dyslexia is and that just because you have it, it doesn’t mean you can’t succeed.