Three Generations of Dyslexia: From Struggles to Superpowers

We are three generations of dyslexics.

My father’s memory of school? Wearing a dunce’s hat and standing in the corner.

Mine? Failing academically, despite knowing I was intelligent, bright, and ambitious—yet placed in the stream for low achievers.

My son? He received the support he needed. Straight A’s at A-Level. A first-class honours degree from a Russell Group university. Now, he’s a teacher.

Last night I watched @Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution on Channel 4 — a powerful campaign calling for more support for dyslexic children in schools.

👉 Jamie’s campaign – https://lnkd.in/gn3_ABw2 ( The Jamie Oliver Group)

I know what it’s like to freeze when looking at a page of words. To pause mid-sentence and wonder, is that a ‘b’ or a ‘d’?

Supporting dyslexic students with reading and writing is essential — but there’s something just as powerful we often forget:

🔑 Helping them see their superpowers.

Over the years, I’ve mentored many young dyslexic people struggling with low self-esteem and feeling like they’re “stupid.” They are not. Talking to them and helping them recognise their superpowers gets amazing results.

Here are just a few of the superpowers many dyslexics possess:
💡 Creative problem-solving
🧠 Big-picture thinking
🎯 Strong reasoning and logic
🎨 Visual-spatial awareness
🔍 Ability to spot patterns
🤝 Empathy and storytelling
🚀 Entrepreneurial thinking

Let’s keep pushing for the support our kids need in school — and also for a culture that recognises and celebrates these strengths.