Find the Colour when Speaking

In this podcast episode, Donna Stevenson, Head of Training and Assessment at Success With Dyslexia (SWD), reflects on the evolving perception of dyslexia over the past 30 years. Highlighting changes since the 1990s, when dyslexia was not well-understood, Donna discusses the current shift in how companies view neurodiversity. Contrasting the limited teacher training on specific learning difficulties in the past, Donna emphasizes the growing awareness and acceptance of dyslexia in education and workplaces. Drawing from her extensive experience at the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), she shares insights into supporting both children and adults with dyslexia. Donna underscores the importance of sharing lived experiences to enhance understanding and foster success with dyslexia. Join her in exploring the transformation of dyslexia perceptions and her mission at SWD to provide global support through training and assessment.

For the final episode of 2024, Matthew Head reflects on a year of juggling work, creativity, and burnout—and the lessons he learned to regain balance. As a lead engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, Matthew’s days were packed with designing concept cars, editing podcasts, rehearsing for amateur dramatics, and playing guitar. But by mid-year, exhaustion hit hard, forcing him to reassess his lifestyle.

In this candid episode, Matthew shares how he overcame burnout by simplifying his life: outsourcing podcast editing, reintroducing exercise, optimizing sleep, and embracing intentional choices. He discovered that true energy comes from passion and balance, not endless productivity.

Join Matthew as he explores how small, sustainable changes transformed his year—and how these insights can help you build a life you love in 2025. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring reflections!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Martin Bloomfield challenges common perceptions of dyslexia. Despite being labeled as ‘lazy’ and a ‘class clown’ during his childhood due to dyslexia, Martin went on to earn a Doctorate in Philosophy and become a strong advocate for people with dyslexia. He sheds light on how dyslexia is perceived in various cultures and countries, highlighting that it’s not universally assessed the same way.

During a captivating conversation with host Matthew, Martin delves into his personal journey, discussing his school experiences, the discovery of his dyslexia at the age of 30, and the diverse strategies he has used to navigate dyslexia’s challenges. He also explores different types of dyslexia and shares insights into achieving a Doctorate despite the condition.

As an active advocate, Martin discusses his work in developing resources for individuals with dyslexia, including creating a global map of dyslexic specialist schools on Google Earth. This episode offers valuable insights into achieving academic success with dyslexia, discovering dyslexia later in life, international perspectives on dyslexia assessment, and innovative strategies for overcoming dyslexia-related obstacles. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion!