Skill Swap

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.

In this episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show, Matt is talking to Armelle McGeachie, founder of Girls with Dyslexia.
During this podcast you will find out that Armelle had a feeling that she was dyslexic from a very young age, but did get a diagnosis until age 21. Interestingly, she had already been employing lots of dyslexic, friendly tactics that she had found through self-discovery during her time at school, particularly during her GCSEs. But having the official diagnosis allowed her to get the appropriate coaching, making her final year of university a lot easier.

“Dyslexia is not a visual condition, but your much more likely to have visual problems.”
Bhavin Shah is a Behavioural Optometrist who specialises in understanding the visual problems faced by dyslexics. Although dyslexia isn’t a visual condition, dyslexics often have difficulties with visual stress,  visual tracking, words moving over the page etc..