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.Did you know that up to 40% of children in the US struggle with reading by the fourth grade? In the UK, that’s the equivalent of years 4-5 in Primary School! This enlightening episode features Matthew Head in conversation with Dr. David Hurford, a renowned research scientist and professor at Pittsburgh State University, who also founded CARRD, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia.

Dr. Hurford shares his transformative journey from aspiring astronomer to a leading figure in developmental psychology, emphasising the importance of structured literacy in teaching reading. The discussion delves into the emotional toll of dyslexia on children, highlighting the benefits of early intervention for both academic and emotional well-being. Dr. Hurford also introduces CARRD’s affordable evaluations and Dyslexia101.com, a free online dyslexia evaluation platform making resources accessible globally.

A key takeaway from Dr. Hurford’s insights is the balanced perspective on dyslexia; he advises against calling dyslexia a “superpower” and advocates for providing accurate information and unconditional support to children.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone navigating dyslexia, offering valuable insights and hope for a more inclusive, literate world.

Caragh McMurtry, an Olympic Rower for Team GB, shares her remarkable journey on this podcast. Despite the already challenging path of pursuing Olympic excellence, Caragh’s neurodiversity added an extra layer of complexity. She reveals how she initially struggled as she was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and underwent ineffective treatments, including medication that hindered her rowing performance.

It took five years, until 2019, for Caragh to receive the correct diagnosis of High-functioning Autism. This revelation empowered her to embrace her uniqueness, leading to newfound happiness. Following her retirement after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Caragh founded Neurodiverse Sport CIC to ensure others with neurodiversity don’t face the same hurdles she did. Her mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for neurodivergent athletes, believing that no athlete should feel isolated due to not conforming to neurotypical standards.

Caragh’s inspiring story highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports and is a must-listen for all.