Find the Colour when Speaking

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!

In this episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show, Dr. Brock Eide discusses the unique strengths associated with dyslexia and how they can lead to amazing success. As a neuro-learning expert and co-author of The Dyslexic Advantage, Dr. Eide has spent years researching dyslexia and the positive attributes that come with it.

Dr. Eide’s interest in dyslexia began when he noticed his children struggling with reading and writing. This sparked his curiosity, and he began to research dyslexia and the unique brain structures associated with it. What he found was surprising – people with dyslexia have a predisposition to important skills and special talents.

Dr. Eide’s book, The Dyslexic Advantage, has been instrumental in shifting the paradigm of dyslexia from a deficit to a strength-based approach. The updated edition of the book includes new research that further supports the dyslexic advantage, providing a fuller and more balanced model of dyslexia.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Eide shares his insights on dyslexia, including how it is viewed today compared to 12 years ago when the first edition of the book was published. He also offers prescriptive advice for parents, educators, co-workers, and dyslexics on how to leverage the strengths associated with dyslexia.

In this episode, I share my journey from an 18-year-old college student in 2002, riding a Honda CB400 Super 4 and studying Automotive Engineering, to achieving my dream career despite dyslexia. Ignoring career advisors’ push for university, I focused on my College course. Starting as a mechanic for Volvo, I soon sought more. A dream job testing engines required an Engineering Degree, leading to struggles with Imposter Syndrome. Yet, I completed my degree as a mature student, joining a graduate scheme at 30. Despite dyslexia, which I only began discussing in my 30s, I persevered with grit and determination. This episode delves into my challenges and successes with dyslexia, education, and career aspirations.