Dear Dyslexic Podcast: Recent Episodes

Shae Wissell

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us.

Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn."

You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!

Ever wondered why speech pathologists are unsung heroes in the world of dyslexia?

In this eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, we dive deep into the fundamentals of dyslexia, bust myths about assessments, and explore how early intervention can transform lives—plus, practical tips for navigating co-occurring challenges like ADHD and dysgraphia. Joining us is Elise Cassidy, a passionate speech pathologist and founder of Code Read Network, a leading organization dedicated to raising dyslexia awareness in Australia.

With over 30 years of experience in literacy and language development, Elise specializes in supporting children and adults with dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and related learning difficulties. She's driven campaigns like the iconic "Light Up Red for Dyslexia" initiative, which has illuminated landmarks across the country to spotlight dyslexia awareness month, and runs Little Voices, a clinic focused on empowering young people with dyslexia through tailored interventions, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary approaches.

Elise unpacks the core of dyslexia, explaining how it stems from phonological processing and speech sound system challenges—far beyond just "speech" as many assume. We explore the pivotal role of speech pathologists in early identification, intervention, and assessments, including why they're essential for children and adults alike. The conversation tackles the barriers to diagnosis in Australia, such as high costs and limited access, and advocates for accessible screening tools like those from Read3. Elise shares insights on co-occurring conditions like ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, offering strategies for executive functioning support, assistive technology (from text-to-speech to AI tools), and building "super glue" memory through repetition.

For more on Elise's work, visit Little Voices: https://www.littlevoices.net.au/

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

· LifeLine on 13 11 14

· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

For years, I thought I was just busy. Running a podcast, a charity, doing my doctorate, working full-time, raising a child - that's just life, right? But when I was diagnosed with combined ADHD (moderate to severe) in my 40s, everything finally made sense.

In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping away from our usual dyslexia focus to share my own ADHD diagnosis journey - the signs I missed for decades, the internal chaos I thought was normal, and why getting help changed everything.

What I cover:

Why I never thought I could have ADHD (despite working with it for years)
The signs I dismissed: constant internal dialogue, unfinished tasks, extreme fatigue, childhood anxiety
How medication helped me in ways I never expected
Why the "everyone's a bit ADHD" narrative is harmful
Addressing the over-diagnosis myth - and why women in their 40s+ are finally getting diagnosed
Why men are likely underdiagnosed (and what we can do about it)
The link between ADHD and dyslexia (they highly correlate)

Key takeaway: If these traits are impacting your quality of life consistently - not just occasionally - that's when it might be ADHD. Everyone forgets things sometimes, but if it's life-altering where you can't function, that's different.

Resources mentioned:

ADHD Australia: https://adhdaustralia.org.au/ (trusted partner with excellent resources and conference content)

Contact Rethink Dyslexia for support with ADHD diagnosis: rethinkdyslexia.com.au

Shae's book: Dyslexia: Insights into the hidden disability in and out of the workplace https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/dyslexia-insights-into-the-hidden-disability-in-and-out-of-the-workplace/

About Dr. Shae:

Shae is a Doctor of Public Health, Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, founder of Rethink Dyslexia, and host of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. She was diagnosed with combined ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive, moderate to severe) in her 40s.

Timestamps:

00:00 "I never thought I could have ADHD"

01:09 Why I'm sharing this now

03:25 When the narrative around ADHD became harmful

04:12 My journey: from focus on dyslexia to recognizing ADHD

06:00 The signs I dismissed for years

08:00 The "unfinished tasks" pattern

10:00 Childhood anxiety and sleep struggles

11:00 Getting assessed: the diagnosis process

11:10 How medication changed everything

13:00 "Everyone's a bit ADHD" - why this narrative is wrong

14:00 What medication actually did for me

17:17 The over-diagnosis myth (and the UK data)

19:00 Why women seek help more than men

21:03 Encouraging everyone to seek support

23:04 What diagnosis gave me: understanding, language, calm

If you're struggling with constant mental fatigue, internal chaos, or feeling like life is harder for you than everyone else - you're not alone. Reach out. Get assessed. There is support.

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast is entering a new chapter. We’re excited to share a refreshed season — now with the option to watch on YouTube as well as listen on your favourite podcast apps.

Dyslexia is often called a hidden disability, but here we shine a light on the stories that need to be heard. Each episode features honest and inspiring conversations with people living with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and autism — along with researchers, parents, educators, and advocates who are reshaping how society understands neurodiversity.

Whether you tune in or watch along, this next chapter is about connection, community, and sparking change.

✨ Subscribe today to be part of the movement — one story at a time.

Could there be a hidden link between neurodivergence and substance use?

In this eye-opening episode, Shae Wissell sits down with Dr. Erin Lalor AM, CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), for an honest conversation about the often-overlooked intersection of dyslexia, neurodivergence, and alcohol or other drug use.

Dr. Lalor brings decades of leadership in public health, a background in speech pathology, and a deep understanding of harm prevention strategies. Together, she and Shae explore how stigma, shame, late diagnosis, and social exclusion can heighten the risk of substance use among neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism.

Shae also opens up about her personal journey, including how undiagnosed dyslexia and mental health struggles intersected with drug use in her early adulthood. This is a powerful and compassionate discussion that tackles the myths and misconceptions surrounding substance use, and highlights the importance of early support, open dialogue, and research-informed approaches.

Key topics covered:

Why neurodivergent people may be more vulnerable to risky substance use
The stigma surrounding both drug use and dyslexia
Early signs of problematic alcohol or drug use and what to look out for
The role of prevention, education, and community support
Shae’s personal story of disclosure, trauma, and recovery

Dr. Lalor also shares:

Insight into the ADF’s national prevention programs, including Good Sports and Local Drug Action Teams
The importance of reducing stigma to make it easier for people to seek help
Resources and support available through the ADF, including Path2Help and the new chatbot “Di”

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexia.

Have you ever felt the weight of navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand the unique challenges of neurodivergence?

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Derek McCormack, the Director of the Raising Children Network, to delve into the complexities of parenting neurodivergent children and the resources available to support families on this journey.

Derek brings a wealth of experience, having spent over 20 years in the field of parenting support. As a father of two daughters, one of whom has been diagnosed with ADHD, he offers a rare perspective that combines professional expertise with personal insight. His journey is particularly compelling, as he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child while leading a national parenting resource platform.

From discussing the emotional landscape surrounding diagnosis to the importance of mental health support, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a professional looking to understand more, or simply someone wanting to learn about the diverse experiences of neurodivergent individuals, Derek’s perspective is both enlightening and empowering.

Featured Resources:

Raising Children Network

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

Have you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you?

In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity.

Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical work and popular podcast with over 2.5 million listeners. Her journey is particularly compelling - from initially training in clinical psychology to discovering her own neurodivergence during professional development with autism expert Tony Attwood.

From unpacking school report cards to examining workplace accommodations, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in neurodiversity. Whether you're personally navigating these experiences, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more about cognitive diversity, you'll find Monique's perspective both enlightening and empowering.

Featured Resources:

The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Monique Mitchelson

Want to hear more from Monique?

Check out her podcast here and connect with her work here.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine – 13 11 14
BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636

None

What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers.

Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity.

In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including:

● The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated.

● Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia.

● Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions).

● How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it.

● The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower."

● Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine – 13 11 14

BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636

Ever felt like your brain just works differently — and wished technology could meet you halfway? In this empowering solo episode, Dr Shae Wissell shares why AI has become a game-changer for dyslexics and other neurodivergent minds, offering practical ways to turn daily challenges into new superpowers.

In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell, researcher, advocate, and proud dyslexic and dysgraphic, dives deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way neurodivergent individuals work, learn, and live. From writing struggles to planning overwhelm, Shae shares personal stories and practical tools that have helped her — and can help you too — reclaim time, energy, and confidence.

Topics Discussed:

Why AI is not "cheating" — it's an accommodation, like glasses
How ChatGPT, Grammarly, Siri, and other tools support writing and proofreading
Using speech-to-text apps to unlock faster communication
Reducing cognitive overload with planning and time management AI tools
The importance of remaining the subject matter expert (and not blindly relying on AI)
How AI levels the playing field for dyslexic and neurodivergent individuals
Shae’s favourite tools: Google NotebookLM, Speechify, Goblin Tools, and more
Practical first steps to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Contact Shae:

Website https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethink_dyslexia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shae-marie-wissell-b95aaa31/

In a world where disability often gets lost in the noise of bureaucracy, how do we ensure that every voice is heard?

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Peter Smith, the Director and Founder of the Center for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP). With over 15 years of experience in the field, Peter has dedicated his career to improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

His journey began at Sydney University, where he recognised the lack of focus on disability and employment. Under the mentorship of leading experts, Peter has developed a robust evidence base for disability employment methodologies and has established accredited training programs tailored for Australia. His work spans across various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and even Saudi Arabia, making him a global advocate for disability rights.

In this episode, Peter and I discuss a range of significant topics, including:

● The current landscape of disability employment in Australia and the impact of the NDIS.

● The challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions in accessing support.

● The importance of integrity and evidence-based practices in disability advocacy.

● The umbrella effect of the neurodivergent movement and its implications for various disabilities.

● Personal anecdotes and lessons learned from Peter's extensive career in the field.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also inspires hope and action for a more inclusive future.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

What if the key to unlocking potential in the workplace lies in embracing neurodiversity?

We are joined in this episode by Dr. Annalisa, the founder of Atom Consulting, a company dedicated to helping water utilities manage their risks, particularly in water quality. With a rich background in consulting and a personal journey through neurodiversity, Annalisa has become a passionate advocate for individuals with learning differences. After her elder son was diagnosed with autism, she pursued her own diagnosis of ADHD in her 40s, leading her to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. Annalisa's commitment to inclusivity in the workplace is evident in her efforts to bridge the gap between neurodiverse talent and the skills shortage in the water sector.

In this episode, we discuss significant topics such as the challenges and triumphs of adult diagnoses, the importance of creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals, and practical strategies for leaders to support their teams. Annalisa shares her personal experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, the tools she has developed to navigate her professional life, and her vision for a more inclusive workplace.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

Did you know that most research on dyslexia focuses on children, leaving a massive gap in understanding how it impacts adults—especially in professional settings?

In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia Podcast, host Dr. Shae Wissell dives into her groundbreaking research on the challenges faced by dyslexic adults in the workplace.

She sheds light on the barriers they encounter, from stigma and lack of support to the often-overlooked emotional toll of navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals.

Dr. Wissell explores:

· The urgent need for workplace policies that accommodate dyslexic professionals

· How self-advocacy and awareness can reshape career opportunities

· The emotional and mental health impact of workplace struggles

· Why research on adult dyslexia—particularly in Australia—remains limited and what can be done about it

This episode is a must-listen for employers, educators, and anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals.

Read more about the research here

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic! This week, we dive into the world of inclusive business practices and the remarkable journey of a powerhouse in the automotive industry.

In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Raffy, a dynamic leader in the automotive industry and a passionate advocate for inclusive business practices. Raffy has been a trailblazer in her field for over 20 years, running a successful auto mechanic business with her husband. She is also the founder of Sage Advice, a business coaching service aimed at helping other companies to implement inclusive and diverse workplaces.

Guest Background and Achievements

Raffy’s journey began in Milan, Italy, but she has called Australia home for the past 24 years. Her background in the automotive industry, combined with her personal experiences, has driven her to create a business environment that is not only profitable but also purposeful. Raffy is also a full-time carer for her brother-in-law with Down syndrome, further fueling her passion for inclusivity in the workplace. Under her leadership, her business has become a model for sustainability and gender diversity, boasting several female apprentices and a strong focus on waste minimisation.

Topics of Discussion

• Inclusive Business Practices: Raffy shares her insights on creating an inclusive environment within a traditionally male-dominated industry.

• Sustainability: Learn about Raffy’s efforts in waste minimisation and creating a greener workshop.

• Personal Journey: Raffy’s transition from Milan to Australia and how her heritage influences her work.

• Empowering Women: The importance of female representation in the automotive industry and how Raffy is paving the way for future generations.

• Sage Advice: The inception and development of her business coaching service, aimed at helping other businesses thrive through inclusivity.

Tune in to hear Raffy’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights into how inclusive business practices can lead to greater success and fulfilment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone interested in making a positive change, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexic Podcast show

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

· LifeLine on 13 11 14

· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Imagine keeping a part of yourself hidden for over 50 years – a part of you that defines not just who you are, but how you think, work, and see the world. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Nigel Lockett, the Dyslexic Professor, to unravel the profound journey of embracing dyslexia and redefining it as a strength in the world of entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary

In this insightful conversation, Nigel Lockett, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and seasoned mentor, delves into his journey from keeping his dyslexia a closely guarded secret to ultimately sharing it with the world. Nigel, currently an Emeritus Professor at the University of Strathclyde, shares how his life transformed once he began openly identifying as a dyslexic academic and entrepreneur. He’s known for his work mentoring startup founders through initiatives like TwinklHive and Qualitas GP Pathway to Partnership and his pivotal role as Chair of Songs, Signs & Sounds, a social enterprise start-up.

Nigel’s story is one of resilience, from early experiences of feeling “thick” and “lazy” to realising his own strengths as a serial entrepreneur and advocate for neurodiversity. Together with Shae, they explore topics such as the relationship between dyslexia and entrepreneurship, the role of collaboration, and the power of cognitive diversity in building strong, innovative teams.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Introduction

01:20 – Finding Out About Dyslexia

04:46 – Family and Dyslexia

08:16 – Journey into Entrepreneurship

12:21 – Choosing to Disclose

18:04 – Embracing Empathy and Scanning Environments

22:39 – ‘Dyslexia Superpower’

26:06 – The Value of Cognitive Diversity

30:30 – Turning Around a University Department

36:39 – Public Reaction to Disclosure

42:39 – Closing Thoughts on Disclosure and Diversity

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexic Podcast show

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

· LifeLine on 13 11 14

· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Discover how embracing neurodiversity can unlock hidden potential and transform workplaces with Mel Webster, a leader who proudly wears her ADHD and dyslexia as badges of strength.

Mel Webster is the CEO of ADHD Australia, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, and a proud individual with ADHD and dyslexia. With a background in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and a personal journey of diagnosis and parenting a neurodivergent child, Mel brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation.

In this episode, Melissa and Dr. Shae explore:

● Personal journey of diagnosis and acceptance of ADHD and dyslexia

● The intersection of ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental conditions

● Challenges and strengths associated with ADHD and dyslexia in educational and professional settings

● The importance of disclosure and creating psychologically safe workplaces

● Strategies for building confidence and having courageous conversations about neurodiversity

● The role of leadership in fostering inclusive environments

● The impact of the recent Senate inquiry on ADHD and potential shifts in supporting adults with ADHD

● The need for greater understanding and support for individuals with dyslexia, especially those significantly impacted

● The power of hyperfocus and creativity as strengths in neurodivergent individuals

The conversation touches on strategies for building confidence, the role of leadership in fostering inclusivity, the impact of recent policy changes, and the need for greater understanding and support for individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum.

Melissa’s Details:

Find out more about Melissa here

Find out more about ADHD Australia here.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today's guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO Podcast as well!

If you haven't done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on D‌ear Dyslexia.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

● LifeLine on 13 11 14

● BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

What if the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals are more about survival than adaptation? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia podcast, Dr. Shae Wissell dives deep into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a researcher and advocate who is reshaping our understanding of neurodivergence and its impact on daily life.

Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a respected researcher in the field of dyslexia and neurodivergence, returns to the show to share his latest insights. With years of experience studying the nuances of neurodiversity, Neil has authored numerous papers and is a strong voice for the neurodivergent community. His work primarily focuses on understanding how neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with hidden disabilities, navigate the world through strategies like 'passing'—a concept that involves concealing their differences to fit into societal norms.

In this episode, Dr. Neil and Dr. Shae explore:

The impact of COVID-19 on students with neurodivergence, particularly in the context of educational accommodations like the use of laptops during exams.
The concept of 'passing' versus 'masking'—how neurodivergent individuals might hide their differences to avoid stigma and the implications of this on their mental health and well-being.
The broad and often problematic use of the term 'neurodivergence,' and whether it dilutes the unique challenges faced by individuals with specific conditions like dyslexia, autism, and ADHD.
The role of coping strategies in helping neurodivergent individuals succeed in environments that are not inherently supportive of their needs.

This conversation not only challenges existing narratives but also offers new perspectives on how we can better support neurodivergent individuals in various aspects of life, from education to the workplace.

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Are you ready to hear how one organisation is making a difference in the lives of young people with neurodivergences? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Deirdre Hardy from Future Connect!

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Deirdre Hardy, a dedicated advocate for young people with neurodivergences. Deirdre is the CEO of Future Connect, an organisation committed to supporting young individuals as they transition from education to employment. With a wealth of experience in working with neurodiverse youth, Deirdre has been instrumental in helping them navigate their educational and career pathways, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

Significant Topics of Discussion:

Introduction to Future Connect: Deirdre explains the mission and activities of Future Connect, emphasising their role in assisting young people in their transition from school to work.
Local Learning Employment Networks (LLEN): Learn about the 31 organisations across Victoria that support young individuals through the Department of Education's school-to-work contract.
Challenges and Support for Neurodiverse Youth: Deirdre discusses the importance of understanding and meeting the unique needs of neurodiverse young people, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other diagnoses.
Strategies for Employment Success: Discover the various strategies and activities Future Connect employs to help young people develop employability skills and secure work placements.
Importance of Diagnosis: The conversation highlights how a diagnosis can be empowering for young people, providing them with a sense of identity and facilitating the support they need.
Disclosure in the Workplace: Deirdre shares insights into the complexities of disclosing neurodivergence in job interviews and how Future Connect supports young people in this process.

Links to Diedre’s resources:

Future Connect Website: https://futureconnect.org.au/

Realise your Potential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwmP9L-rPuQ

Marcella’s interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FdJCYNf004

The Making of Marcella’s Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmJSA2CQ53E

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to http://rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a trailblazer making waves across the education sector and beyond. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and understand the true power of intersectionality.

Guest Introduction: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a renowned DEI expert and transformative leader. As the first Chief Diversity Officer at the historic Virginia Military Institute and the founder of Higher Dimensions Consulting LLC, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology and significant contributions in higher education, she has been recognized as one of Virginia Business News' 100 People to Meet in 2022.

Dr. Love's journey began with a focus on supporting international college women and has since expanded to include pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Mount Holyoke College and Northeastern University. Her commitment to advocacy, particularly for women and BIPOC individuals, underscores her dynamic speaking and training style, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organisations alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

Intersectionality and Labels: Dr. Love unpacks the concept of intersectionality, exploring how various identities intersect and contribute to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. She explains the significance of understanding these intersections to create more inclusive and supportive environments.
The Evolution of DEI: From her early days working with international women at the Showa Boston Institute to her current role in consulting, Dr. Love shares her insights on how DEI initiatives have evolved. She emphasizes the importance of education in embracing diversity and how different identities add value to organizations.
Transforming Organizational Culture: Dr. Love discusses the paradigm shift from seeking a "cultural fit" to a "cultural add," advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth. She shares practical strategies for organizations to broaden their hiring pools and create a more inclusive culture.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Diversity: Addressing common fears associated with DEI efforts, Dr. Love offers guidance on how individuals and organizations can navigate these challenges. She highlights the importance of thoughtful speech, the impact of unintentional harm, and the need for continuous learning and awareness.
Personal and Professional Growth: Reflecting on her own career, Dr. Love shares her motivations and experiences that have shaped her journey. She underscores the value of mentorship, volunteer work, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the DEI field.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, and learn how to transform your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover the power of intersectionality and the impact it can have on creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Tune in now and be part of the change!

A note from our director and podcast host:

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.

If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

In this episode, Shae has an open discussion with Kim Percy, where they talk about life and parenthood as a late-diagnosed dyslexic.

After her youngest son was diagnosed in year 2, Kim found herself relating to many of his experiences with dyslexia and felt she too may be dyslexic.

Over the last 24 years, she has co-directed and been a senior designer for Designscope, an agency dedicated to branding, strategy, web and print design. Her first passion was visual art, and she has had prominent exhibitions in some of Australia’s leading awards and festivals including BOAA Biennale of Australian Art, Ballarat Foto Biennale and HeadOn Photo Festival. Over the last 20 years, she has been a sessional tutor at Federation University and RMIT University alongside a business mentor for Melbourne Innovation Centre. She is interested in developing an accessible curriculum for neurodiverse students.

Kim is a music and art lover, finding joy in creative escapes. Throughout this episode, she shares insightful wisdom from her life as an artist, student, businesswoman and mother.

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.

If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

In this fun podcast, Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Dr Helen Ross about living with dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD.

Helen is a dyslexia expert and Special Educational Needs specialist with experience in independent and public education sectors, as well as at local and national levels.

As a former teacher/SENDCo with over 10 years of experience, I now work as a freelance consultant, researcher, and board member.

Helen offers a unique perspective as she is Dyslexic herself, emphasising the importance of creating positive educational environments. She has spoken at various conferences and panels, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia, and have been published in numerous peer-reviewed and guest publications.

Helen serves as a Trustee for the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wilshire Dyslexia Association, and Founder of Helen's Place - providing support, tuition, and research for families and teachers of children with Dyslexia and SEN.

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by rethink dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Dana Neiger, Author/CHRO/Co-Founder at HIVE Talent Acquisition Firm

Dana's recruiting experience covers a wide range of industries such as accounting and finance, construction, engineering, light industrial and warehousing, sales and marketing, with a specialty in legal recruiting. Her human resources consulting background includes training, payroll, sponsorship, HRIS, networking, social media and branding.

Dana is a graduate of the private women's college, Agnes Scott, located in Decatur, Georgia. She returns to campus multiple times a year to support their Summit program by volunteering for HR panels, LinkedIn seminars, interview preparation and other human resources related needs.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time outdoors at sporting and live music events with her loving husband Dustin, their son Deagan and dogs, Gustav, Toni Bark and Donnie Barko.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

This podcast has been proud and sponsored by a neurodivergent mixed family who love our podcasts. If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker.

To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Dr Malvika Behl.

Malvika is the chair of the Counsellor Education Program at West Texas A&M University. Based in Texas, she holds a PhD in Counsellor Education and Supervision. Malvika is a licensed professional counsellor and school counsellor, with seven years of experience in academia, teaching counselling courses. Since 2013, she has been actively involved in counselling, working with both adults and children with learning disabilities. Malvika has collaborated with local and international organisations, including the Centre for Learning Disabilities and Partners Resource Network, Maharashtra Dyslexia Association and Dyslexia Organisation Kenya.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

This podcast has been proud and sponsored by a neurodivergent mixed family who love our podcasts. If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Craig Collinson. Shae and Craig share their insights into their research and Craig's fascinating topic Lexism” – the Othering and discrimination of dyslexics. This conversation may come across as a bit controversial, so we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the topic!

Craig is a UK dyslexic academic and a Researcher Development Fellow at Edge Hill University. He was born and brought up in the south of England; the first of his immediate family to go to university. Craig gained a First-class joint honours degree in Ancient History and History from Keele University and has an MA and MPhil in Medieval Studies from the University of Reading. He moved away from studying History to Philosophy and Education for his doctoral thesis. His PhD was on the social model of dyslexia; awarded by Edge Hill University. He has articles published in the British Journal of Special Education and Disability and Society. The primary focus of his work is “Lexism” – the Othering and discrimination of dyslexics. He now lives and works in Lancashire.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

Every workplace needs a dyslexic or ten.

Problem solver. Lateral thinker. Emotionally intelligent.

Creative. Intuitive. Empathic.

People with dyslexia have the kind of strengths that help an organisation be more dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking. All it takes, with the help of HR and DEI, is the support our workplace programs provide. That’s the advantage of doing things differently.

In this special edition, Shae speaks with Sally Close (HR consultant), Kate Madden (CEO), and Lorna Berry Coordinator: Integrated Family Support from Hampton Park Community House about how together they implemented the re:think Workplace Inclusion Program and completely changed the way Hampton Park now works and supports their dyslexic employees. This program has been a game changer in creating more supportive and inclusive workplace practices and employing dyslexic employees to reach their full potential. through by enabling access to dyslexia screening services, on-the-job support for dyslexic employees and workplace training.

Learn more about how this program can help you as a dyslexic employee and organisation:

Maximising productivity

Fostering inclusion

Cultivating a supportive workplace

We hope you enjoy this panel discussion and if you are dyslexic and need help or you're an employer and you want to join our innovative program then contact us at hello@rethinkdyslexia.com.au

In this episode, Shae speaks with Ph.D. colleague and peer Bill Goh. Together they discuss a number of topics from accessing a diagnosis, educational trauma, advocacy and PhD life. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as Shae and Bill enjoy spending time unpacking life as Dyslexic PhD candidates.

A bit about Bill.

Trying to get an education with dyslexia resulted in me failing grade two and dropping out of school in grade twelve. I have very few fond memories of school. Yet, decades later I’m currently a Ph.D. student in marine biology. Also, I’m the first at my university, the second in South Australia, and one of a handful in our country to attain an assistant employed to help with my individual dyslexic deficit needs at the postgraduate level. I had to fight for this accommodation to help me learn computer coding. This fight took its toll on my research and me due to many personal to institutionalized roadblocks. Nonetheless, I’m still committed to achieving my goals. My university’s disability support services said I’m the most severely dyslexic person to attempt a PhD they have seen. Yet, I know there are more like me. I hope one day I and others will not be a novelty, and all will feel safe and secure at university.

Links to share:

https://twitter.com/billysgoh

https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/william.goh

Welcome to episode 58 with Nicci Richman. Nicci is a neurodivergent Organisational Development professional, supporting businesses to embrace inclusive design that optimises performance, productivity and belonging.

She is an effective Leader with a demonstrated history of working in a range of sectors, I bring strengths in building purposeful cultures, training and development, removing complexity, and streamlining processes.

Nicci's career has its foundations in social research, working on employee engagement surveys for multinational organisations. This insight led to my strong interest in listening to those at every level of the organisation when designing People systems and strategies.

Nicci has worked within the Professional Services, Education, Tech, Allied Health, Manufacturing and Community Service sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology and Political Science), and accredited certificates in Narrative Coaching, Mindfulness, Human Resources, Training and Education, and Business. She is also an accredited REACH Facilitator, DiSC Facilitator and a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

In the second part of this two-part series, Shae speaks with Gareth Robinson from Mindhabits. Gareth shares with Shae the Habit Staker and how by creating tiny habits every day we can start to manage and cope not just during stressful and traumatic times, but in managing day-to-day life.

Having lost his brother and 3 close mates to suicide, he is a passionate mental health advocate who specialises in helping clients sell better, find more time, less stress, and better habits. Gareth’s professional and personal purpose overlap as he does his bit to help people live better and organisations grow. He loves contributing to his community, shining a light on the importance of developing good mental health, and redefining success.

This episode contains sensitive discussions about grief, loss and suicide, including personal experiences and mental health challenges. If you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14 BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 46

In this two-part series, Shae speaks with Gareth Robinson from Mindhabits. Gareth shares with Shae how tiny habits can help us manage and cope during stressful and traumatic times.

Gareth is a family man first and foremost, a coach, sales leader, start-up founder, and mental health advocate. I bring over 20 year’s blue-chip corporate experience and over five years of coaching and consulting to the party. He is the founder of Mindhabits and recently created a video series called Grief Train.

This episode contains sensitive discussions about grief, loss and suicide, including personal experiences and mental health challenges. If you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14
BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

In this episode, Shae speaks with Mark Long from I AM LEX. Mark created a brand new communication tailored for the 21st century by rebranding the dyslexic identity to reflect the modern age ~ I AM LEX. Dyslexia is riddled with old paradigms, misunderstandings, false narratives, and a harmful stigma. It is about time to showcase the extraordinary creatives and exceptional problem solvers with something that connects them all for neurodiversity.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Autumn O’Connor and Tammy McGown about raising children as neurodivergent parents the ups, downs, and the many laughs along the way.

Autumn O'Connor is a new mother to a wonderful little man; learning how to give him a strong secure attachment, so he may grow up feeling safe, loved and free to be himself. Autumn is a twice-exceptional adult (autism, gifted IQ, dyslexia and dyscalculia), and believes her neurominority lived experiences give her a unique perspective on life.

Tammy McGowan (she/her) a mum and was dianginsed late in adulthood. Tammy is autistic and adhd’er who is also dyslectic, dyscalculic, has an auditory processing disorder and has chronic health conditions.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Councillor Teeny Brumby from Burnie, Tasmania.

Teeny is an effervescent and outgoing Wife and Mum of four children who LOVES op-shopping, coffee and public speaking and is an amazing dyslexic advocate.

We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Shae enjoyed speaking with Teeny!

In this episode, Shae speaks with Ben Fogarty.

Ben is a barrister at Denman Chambers, with expertise in discrimination law (specialising in disability discrimination), administrative law, criminal law, guardianship and mental health law, and employment and industrial relations laws. He has been a barrister for 10 years and, prior to that, was a solicitor for 12 years. Prior to being called to the bar, Ben was the senior solicitor at the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service. He has also been the Acting Director of Pro Bono at Gilbert+Tobin Lawyers, the principal solicitor at the Intellectual Disability Rights Service, the outreach solicitor at the Darwin Community Legal Service and the principal solicitor of the NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre. He has also worked at Redfern Legal Centre and the Inner-City Legal Centre. Ben's work in the community legal sector covered a very broad range of laws. Ben also taught criminal law for 9 years at the University of New South Wales, his last year being 2012. Ben has advised and appeared both for applicants and respondents in New South Wales, Queensland and Commonwealth disability discrimination.

This podcast has been sponsored by the Australian Finance Group Australia (AFG).

Australian Finance Group was established in 1994. For 27 years we have been on a mission to create a fairer financial future for Australians. And that starts with providing our brokers with unwavering support, powerful tools, and passionate expertise to grow their business, their future. Australians trust their brokers with their biggest assets, and in turn, our brokers trust us with theirs.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Natalia Lychowski who is proudly neurodivergent Nat is a Business Transformation Analyst, the Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader, and Leader of Global Neurodiversity @ IBM Business Resource Group Co-Chair.

This podcast has been proudly sponsored by IMC training. With more than 25 years of experience, 12 international locations, and 350 employees, imc is the leading full-service provider of digital training. Experts in the fields of technology, e-learning content and strategy work hand in hand to provide holistic and customized e-learning solutions - worldwide.

1,300+ commercial enterprises, government organisations and educational institutes with over 10 million learners around the world rely on imc's holistic and bespoke solutions. To learn more visit www.im-c.com

We are so excited to be launching our 50th podcast, with nearly 25000 downloads worldwide our podcasts continue to be a valuable resource to our growing community!

This is a special edition podcast episode from our Living Successfully with Dyslexia 2021 Conference. Shae had a round table conversation with Autumn O’Conner, Tammy McGown and Dr. Rebecca Flower on neurodiversity in the workplace.

In this podcast Shae speaks with Darlene McLennan is the Manager of the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) and the National Disability Coordination Officer for Tasmania. Both of which are hosted by the University of Tasmania.

This is a special podcast episode, a round table conversation from our 2021 Conference.

In this podcast, Shae had a round table conversation with Dan Graham and Sally Close about the role of advocacy in the workplace.

Dan Graham is a Theatre Director and a Disability Advocate with a particular interest in access support for neuro-diverse performing artists. His directing and access work has seen him travel all over Australia and the world to research and explore access and inclusion.

Sally Close is a parent of a dyslexic child and has a deep understanding of the challenges and benefits learning differences can create within the workplace. Sally imparts knowledge of learning differences and thinking preferences in safe learning environments. Facilitating a growth mindset and diversity of thought to enable creative solutions to complex problems. Learning transfer is supported through the practical application of new skills via the implementation of business improvement projects.

Shae hopes you enjoy listening to this conversation. If you would like to hear more from the conference head to the DHub, http://dhub.deardyslexic.com/deardyslexic/welcome

In this episode, Shae speaks with the wonderful Pennie Aston. Founder and CEO of GroOops Dyslexia Aware Counselling.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Alison Edgar, The Entrepreneur’s Godmother and Managing Director of Sales Coaching Solutions is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and thought leader.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Sally Close on dyslexia and neurodiversity in the workplace.

Introducing Sally Close – Business Improvement Consultant.

Sally Close left her corporate career armed with 20+ years of leadership experience to apply her business improvement prowess to her own consultancy - helping clients with organisational development and cultural change.

In this episode, Shae welcome's Jane Kjersten back to the show to talk about Dyslexia and Trauma. Jane is a therapist who has worked with individuals, couples and families who live with learning disabilities/difficulties.

In this episode, Shae speaks with fellow dyslexic Professor Stephen Macdonald.

Stephen is a Professor of Social Science at the University of Sunderland. Stephen is currently the research lead for the School of Social Sciences and Head of the Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS). He is also the Chair of the Vulnerability and Criminal Justice Research Network (DIS-CRIM). Stephen teaches undergraduates and postgraduates in criminology, sociology. Social work and social care. He has published broadly in the areas of neurodiversity and social exclusion, including issues concerning diagnosis, educational disengagement, digital inclusion, crime, victimisation, loneliness/isolation, and homelessness.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Professor Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD.

As the founder and CEO of Do-IT Solutions, Professor Amanda Kirby is very unusual and has the unique experience of straddling health, education, and the workplace.

Amanda’s skill lies in her being a collaborator and a knowledge translator. This allows her to traverse disciplines and bring interdisciplinary working together.

Welcome to the first of our episode Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series for 2021!! In episode 41, Shae speaks with Rocking Dan the Music Man. We have had a lot of different guests on our show who advocate and work in the education space but we have never had a guest who is a dyslexic advocate, primary school teacher and a YouTube singing sensation! With over 12,000 subscribers and over 250 music videos Rocking Dan the Teaching Man has been a hit with children and schools all over Australia. Dan first joined Shae on our Question Dys Facebook live to talk about his Faces of Dyslexia self-portrait. We had such a great conversation we thought we would continue it through this podcast. Shae hope's you enjoy this conversation as much as she did.

We have launched a Special Edition podcast to celebrate and acknowledge International Day of People with Disabilities and its our 40th episode can you believe that!!In this episode, Shae speaks with Tricia Malowney Disability and human rights advocate. Tricia is a proud woman with a disability who is passionate about advocating for the needs of women and girls with disabilities.

Autumn O'Connor is an autistic twice-exceptional (gifted) adult with dyslexia and dyscalculia, holding also a diagnosis of anxiety and dysthymia. She only received her autism diagnosis later in life (age 37). Her special interests are teddy bears, candy and landscape gardening. But her major passion is helping others achieve. Autumn likes studying and has a range of qualifications including a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Bachelor of Arts, and a teaching and education certificate. Autumn has extensive experience as a psychotherapist, mentor, small business owner and also has experience in fashion modelling. She currently is also the executive editor for Untapped, where she manages a large team of neurodiverse creatives, nurturing their strengths and building their skills. No stranger to her own psychological exploration, she believes in the power of therapy and the goodness of self-inquiry work.

Do you have dyslexia and struggle with intermate relationships? Or are you a partner to someone who has dyslexia? Then this podcast is for you. In this episode, Shae speaks with Jane Kjersten a therapist who has worked with individuals, couples and families who live with learning disabilities/difficulties.

In this episode Shae speaks with Brian Butterworth about dyscalculia. Brain is Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at University College London, Adjunct Professor at National Cheng Chi University, Taiwan, Professorial Fellow at Melbourne University, Australia, and Research Consultant at Ospedale San Camillo Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico in Venice, Italy.

In this episode, Shae speaks with the Neil Alexander-Passe. Neil is a fellow dyslexic who managed to overcome challenges. In 2005, he gained an MPhil on researching how dyslexic teenagers cope using measures of self-esteem, coping and depression, leading to a spell as a postgraduate researcher. In 2010 he published his first book ‘Dyslexia and Depression: The Hidden Sorrow’.

You can find out more about Neil, his work and his books go the Dyslexia Research

This podcast is sponsored by Untapped. Untapped is about working with organisations to develop a sustainable neurodiverse employment ecosystem. This includes the NeurodiversityHub initiative that assists students to become more work-ready and increase their chances of securing a job.

In this episode, Shae speaks with the wonderful Captain Amanda Harrison a fellow dyslexic about the ups and downs of living with dyslexia and facing our fears. Amanda Harrison is an exceptional woman, an experienced pilot with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation industry. Skilled in Flight Planning, Air Charter, Aviation, Adventure Pilot and live life to full.

In May 2019, Amanda paid tribute to Amy Johnson, a true aviation hero, by following in her footsteps and flying solo from London, UK to Darwin, Australia in just 19 days in my vintage Tiger Moth. It was her first major adventure since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 which included treatment, surgeries and most importantly healing in 2018.

Find out more about Amanda and her flying adventures and her work on Dyslexic-Ability.

Its been such challenging few months especially for those with dyslexia and other neurodivergence such as autism.

This interview is all about how we can better support our neurodiverse community during this pandemic and I am so pleased to be speaking with Andrew Eddy today.

Andrew is the co-founder of Untapped, a social enterprise focused on developing a neurodiverse employment ecosystem to increase opportunities for autistic individuals.

This podcast has been sponsored by the Vice Chancellor of Tasmanian University Professor Rufus Black. Rufus was one of our 2018 podcast interviewees. To find our more about his story head to dear dyslexic.com and listen to his podcast which is Episode 15.

We are excited that Board Director Carmel Riley Consulting was interviewed on ABC Gippsland discussing the work of the Foundation and the launch of our 2020 National Dyslexia Month Campaign.

In this month's episode, Shae speaks with Helen Boden CEO of the British Dyslexia Association.

After running the British Dyslexia Association’s training department, Helen became CEO in March 2018, with a focus on empowering dyslexics through lobbying, raising awareness, training and direct support. With a background in education and training since 1990 and a qualified specialist dyslexia teacher, Helen began work for the British Dyslexia Association in 2002 and has been with the organisation for 15 of the last 17 years.

In this month's episode, Shae speaks with mother and son duo Lois and Nicholas Letchford.

Lois Letchford’s dyslexia came to light at the age of 39, when she faced teaching her seven-year-old non-reading son, Nicholas. Examining her reading failure caused her to adapt and change lessons for him. The results were dramatic. Lois subsequently qualified as a reading specialist, using her non-traditional background, multi-continental experience, and her passion for assisting other failing students. Her learning equips her with a unique skill set and perspective.

The goal is always to create active readers, thus engaging students in the joy of reading and learning. Lois continuously engages in reading academic literature, strengthening the connection between research and teaching practice.

Although living with dyslexia, Lois overcomes writing challenges-daily. She writes for her students and writes blogs for parents and teachers.

Reversed: A Memoir is her first book. Here, she details the journey of her son’s dramatic failure. She has become a sort-after speaker, sharing creative, engaging insights with humour and grace. Lois speaks on numerous podcasts and reading conferences around the world.

Dr. Nicholas Letchford is a consultant in the international development sector in the UK and a fellow dyslexic. He gained his DPhil (PhD) in Mathematics at the University of Oxford, where he modelled the process of cavitation in engine lubricant films, funded by BP. Nicholas has a broad skill set spanning mathematics, statistics, health economics, and engineering, with a sustained interest in public health, health economics, and policy evaluations. He holds dual undergraduate Hons degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tasmania, and an MSc in Health Technology Assessment from the University of Glasgow.

This is an inspirational podcast that talks about one mother's love for her son and everything she did to help him to read and go on to become a Doctor at Oxford Univerity.

Diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Irlen Syndrome, Elizabeth set up this charitable organisation. She has also recently been diagnosed with Dyscalculia. After identifying a gap in support services, She took it upon herself to support adults with Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, who want to start their own business, go back to further education or improve their employability skills.

"I felt I needed to help other Dyslexics who may be struggling within the education and self employment system or within the work place."

Trevor Watts brings a common sense approach and the experience of a small business owner to his role representing the people of Toowoomba North. Like countless other residents across Toowoomba, Trevor’s life before politics was focused on running his successful local business whilst juggling the demands of an active family and community life on the Darling Downs.

Trevor often met with politicians, including the then Senator, now Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to discuss issues impacting business owners and families in Toowoomba.

During one of these meetings a critical moment in Trevor’s life occurred when he was again lobbying Senator Joyce on another policy issue. Barnaby turned to Trevor and said ‘Well, what are you going to do about it? I think it’s time for you to put up or shut up.’

Trevor saw huge opportunities for Toowoomba, Highfields and the Darling Downs. He understood the important need for strong regional voices in parliament who fight for a fair go for the people outside the state’s capital. Trevor decided to throw his hat in the ring. After an initial attempt in 2009, Trevor was elected as the Representative for Toowoomba North in March 2012 and was re-elected in January 2015.

Trevor has fought for and delivered many project in his short time in Parliament, including the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and The Highfields State Secondary College.

Eleanor is a Professor of Information Technology and Data Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the Robert A. Foisie School of Business.

She is the Founder and Director of the Inclusive Design and Accessibility (IDEA) Hub at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which was established in 2018 to address the needs of people with differing abilities across technologies and environments. Her research expertise centers on the intersection of technology and the user. Over the past 20 years, she has focused on how people feel about the technology they use and how technologies, such as mobile apps and social media, can improve users’ experiences.

Shae is so excited to launch this interview talking about neurodiversity in the workplace.

Did you know that betwwen 20% to 40% of those in the justice system have a learning disability? That’s a global statistic and a disturbing one. Being literate is a basic human right and no one should end up in the justice system because they have low literacy skills or because they have dyslexia. Growing up on the streets of New Orleans, Ameer Baraka found himself in constant trouble with the law, which eventually led to his incarceration. During that time, he was diagnosed with dyslexia through resilience and determination he turned his life around. He is now an author, activist and actor working to empower young people and adults with dyslexia with a focus on supporting those who have had contact with the corrections system.Shae is so excited to launch this interview at the end of National Dyslexia Awareness Month, following her presentation at the Australasian Corrections Education Conference.

Assistive technology plays such a significant role in the lives of those with dyslexia although Shae still gets lost using google maps. In this podcast, Shae speaks with Jack Churchill, with Co-Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens.

Jack is passionate about technology being a great enabler. He is determined to help young people and adults with dyslexia obtain greater access to assistive technology both in their everyday lives and exams. He sits on the board of BATA (the British Assistive Technology Association), St Mary’s Calne School and the International Churchill Society. Jack has a BSc (Hons) in Publishing & Information Systems and lives in Wiltshire in England with his wife, Charlotte and three children. Jack is proud to be the CEO and co-founder of Scanning Pens. Twitter handle: @jackthetweet

About Scanning Pens:

Scanning Pens give students the confidence to read independently. They provide reading aids for those with Special Educational Needs/ SpLD as well as those wishing to improve their literacy. Scanning Pens is the world’s leading supplier of pen scanners, their ExamReader scanner is approved by many leading exam boards. The sister product the ReaderPen includes dictionaries and voice & data storage, making it an all round tool for supporting learning. Scanning Pens have offices in the UK, US, Canada, Australia & India and are proud to push a positive dyslexia message through their campaign #SucceedWithDyslexia. For more info visit https://www.scanningpens.com/

Shae really hopes you enjoy this fantastic podcast.

In this podcast, Shae speaks with Christian Boer the creator of Dyslexie font. Christian has been affected by dyslexia as long as he can remember, this experience inspired him to design a solution to improve readability for people with dyslexia – the Dyslexie font. Christian combined his graphic design skill with his dyslexia, abandoning traditional typeface design rules, favouring instead the user needs of a dyslexic person.

Christian dreams of the day when being able to use Dyslexie font won’t be an exception; but at everyone’s disposal, just like any other font. He hopes to change the negative image – that dyslexia is a shortcoming – and emphasize the positive sides of dyslexia, such as creativity and 3-dimensional visual thinking.

Shae really hopes you enjoy this exciting podcast about creativity and teh lived experience of dyslexia.

Mother and son duo Zivit and Gili Inbar join Shae for this month’s episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast to talk about their dyslexic experiences as a family and the trials and tribulations of finishing secondary school.

Gili Inbar is a 19-year-old Commerce Law student majoring in Finance at university. He has a keen interest in business, politics and entrepreneurship, and would like to someday be the owner of his own business. Gili is a dyslexic advocate presenting his lived experience of dyslexia at Parliament House in Canberra. Dr Zivit Inbar is the founder and CEO of DifferenThinking, a consulting practice that specialises in people, culture, leadership & performance strategies for growth with particular expertise in Technology companies, Start-ups, and Venture Capitals. Zivit has over 17 years of experience and expertise with building high-performance teams, driving high-level strategies and processes at the board and executive levels, spanning private and listed local and global organisations (China, APAC, Europe and the US).

Zivit is an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University’s MBA program, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow Certified member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. She is the author of “The Ethical Kaleidoscope: Values, Ethics, and Corporate Governance” (with Doug Long), 2017, Routledge Publishing, UK.

Paul Russell has been in classrooms for over thirty years, so it isn’t really that surprising that all of his heroes are teachers. He has always been passionate about stories, even before he could read. Determine never to grow up and lose his imagination he is a teacher, playwright, father, artist and author but maybe not always in that order. He is passionate about children’s literacy and in building an appetite within children for the written word and sharing stories.

Shae hopes you enjoy this inspirational podcast of how dyslexia success can look!

Jemima Hutton 2019 Dear Dyslexic Foundation Leadership Award Recipient

Jemima is a diagnosed dyslexic student who is currently studying Provisional Entry Medicine at the University of the Queensland. She has been assessed as being in the lowest 2% for reading with her eyes, however, she received an ATAR of 99.3 for her secondary school studies including two perfect scores. Jemima was Dux of her school and also ironically received the English Prize for being the top student even though she only ever read the books with her ears, using assistive technology at 3 times normal speed.

After taking a gap year, Jemima started her own company called Dyslexia Demystified to support and empower young people with dyslexia. She has presented keynotes to students, teachers and parents at more than 40 different schools around Victoria and Queensland and made her international debut in Japan at the Asia Pacific Dyslexia Festival in 2018. In order to reach more young people like herself and build an online community of proud dyslexics, Jemima started a YouTube Channel, which she hopes will grow to be the largest online support platform for dyslexic young people.

Shae hope's you enjoy this podcast with Jemima an inspiration for all young people.

Dyslexic & Serial Entrepreneur, Hugo has been involved in many different projects over the past four years in France, UK and Australia all of which use artificial intelligence. These projects include the application of image recognition and natural language processing techniques to various real-world problems.

Being dyslexic and dysgraphic himself, Hugo knows a lot about the struggle of learning disorders. His experience in Artificial Intelligence started 4 years ago after multiple jobs including a top 500 company in the UK to small startups. Hugo’s analytic mind allows us to bring Dystech Australia toward its goal with first-hand knowledge of dyslexia and dyspraxia.

In this podcast, we talk all things Artificial Intelligence and how this technology can help to screen children and young people for dyslexia.

I hope you enjoy this interview, it was really interesting speaking to Hugo about his personal experiences of dyslexia and how like so many of us, he is trying to change the world, one dyslexic step at a time.

Dr Judith Hudson is a retired teacher, chartered psychologist, assessor, author and researcher of special educational needs. Her specific interest is in congenital developmental disorders, particularly how they impact on literacy development such as dyslexia, ADHD, and disorders on the autism spectrum ASD. An Adjunct Associate in the Education Faculty, College of Art, Law and Education (CALE), University of Tasmania, she has written and taught post-graduate modules in both the UK and Australia, and that focus on dyslexia and specific developmental learning disorders. Judith is also a Board member and Ambassador for Square Pegs Dyslexia Tasmania Support Group Inc.

Judith is extremely knowledgable and an expert in the area of dyslexia and other learning disabilities and it was a wonderful opportunity to listen to her speak in Hobart. Judith spoke about both her work experiences and her personal stories of her husband and grandson both who have dyslexia.

In this podcast, we talk all things dyslexia, its genetic links and how Judith now supports PhD students that have dyslexia.

I hope you enjoy this podcast, I especially liked discussing the genetic link as dyslexia runs through three generations of my family, fascinating!!

Nicole is a highly valued leader within the Global HR industry with 20 years of experience in people operations management. Remote working and distributed teams are her “thing” (- long before it became “a thing.”)

As a multi-talented woman entrepreneur and an international people connector, Nicole loves leading (remote) people-based activity from a strategic and operational perspective and has a gift for developing talent. In other words, she designs, creates and supports modern people operations helping professionals to work effectively together.

She strongly believes that innovation in the workplace starts with creativity in education, so as a hobby she creates creative online courses and learning experiences that people love.

Nicole earned her BA, MAHRM and MBA from various international universities. She currently works around the world as a digital nomad. Oh… and Nicole is Dyslexic.

Listen to this interesting perspective on HR in the workplace and the value of a diverse workforce.

This month Shae speaks with Dyslexia Consultant Brian Hagan on all this dyslexia and HR. - Shae hope's you enjoy the first of many podcasts on this topic.

Rosalie is a criminologist, an accredited facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal, and a clinical speech pathologist with more than 30 years’ experience. In 2013 Rosalie founded a charity, Chatter Matters Tasmania, to bring literacy and parent-child attachment programs to Tasmania’s Risdon Prison. She was awarded 2017 Tasmanian Australian of the Year for the work she began at the prison. She is grateful for the platform this recognition has afforded her to promote the value of kind communication in evidence-based service delivery. And she is ever-grateful to all family, friends and colleagues. Nothing that is worth doing is ever done alone.

ear Dyslexic Board Member, Christine MacJouvelet

Christine originally trained as a primary school teacher and has a strong background in education and financial services. She has taught at all levels including kindergarten and primary as well as adult education at institutions such as Victoria University, the Salvation Army and NMIT Preston. She developed and ran the ‘Able Sports Programme’ for the Australian Sports Commission and Vic Sport and Recreation. Christine has also worked full time at registered training organisations, including AAMC Training Group and was a Director of Skill Solutions. Christine works as a Mortgage Broker, mentor and has used her educational skills in teaching finance for the financial services sector. Social justice is a strong motivator and Christine wants to make a difference for people with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities, particularly in teacher/tutor training and direct support services to dyslexics over 16.

Jacqueline recently completed her PhD in Sociology, focusing on dyslexia and Learning Difficulties with a particular interest in working with adult students in higher education and in workplaces. She has a background in teaching with a Master of Education. Jacqueline is a PhD tutor who supports adolescents Browse Media File adults who have dyslexia and learning disabilities within Queensland. She has previously worked with a range of organisations as a Teacher and Disability Officer. She now provides culturally appropriate support and educational services to progress learning for students and adults on the Sunshine Coast through her private business, Dyslexic.Qld.Com.

We hope you this latest podcast with Jacque who shares who lived experience of dyslexia, the challenge we are facing in Australia and how we have to champion together to support the establishment of vital services across the TAFE and university.

Professor Rufus Black is the Vice Chancellor and President at the University of Tasmania.

He has extensive tertiary education experience and many years working in government and corporate roles.

Rufus holds degrees in law, politics, economics, ethics and theology from the University of Melbourne and Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.

In this episode, I talk to Dr Grainne Cleary about science and wildlife ecology.

Not the first topics that come to mind for a dyslexia podcast, but this amazing lady has been doing some fascinating work and it's all connected – listen to discover the link.

Grainne is passionate about the wildlife in our own backyards and empowering people with the knowledge and skills to create habitat in the home.

Her story about her challenges with dyslexia and mental health is inspirational. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I enjoyed meeting and interviewing her.

Jamie has over 10 years of experience working in education. In his life in London, Jamie's worked for the Metropolitan Police in schools and worked extensively in theatre.

He's also heavily involved in specialist disability and specific learning differences support and assessment, mental health mentoring and Assistive Technology training. Find out more about Jamie at www.jamiecrabbtherapy.com or - even better - take a listen to this fascinating and very practical conversation.

This month Shae speaks with LJ Kidd who, in spite of struggling to read a restaurant menu, is a successful Australian author and illustrator of a series of children’s books.

Anthony Gartner is the Manager of Student Equity and AccessAbility Services at Swinburne University. He is a social worker with a commitment to access and inclusion for students who are often marginalised within higher education. With over twenty years’ experience in the community and education sector Anthony brings an understanding of the social model of health to his role as manager of AccessAbility Services and is supported by an amazing team of AccessAbility Advisers at Swinburne in Melbourne. Anthony is committed to achieving the best outcomes for students living with disability and for the professional development and resourcing of staff who undertake the important role of supporting students in the various ways that are necessary.

This month Shae speaks with Cheri Shone, a dyslexia tutor who shares her story about working with students with dyslexia as well as living life with dyslexia.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Mandy Nayton, the CEO of DSF Literacy and Clinical Services, Western Australia and President of AUSPELD.

In this month’s episode, Shae speaks to Gemma Bilardi. Gemma is a passionate advocate for supporting those living in rural and regional Victoria and is a dear friend of Shae's and a fellow dyslexic. Listen to her inspiring podcast now.

If you would like to hear more of our great podcasts then help us by donating. Donations over $2 are tax deductible and ever dollar helps!

This month we speak with fellow dyslexic Sandra Hargreaves who is an English teacher, the co-author of the practical textbook Study Skills for Students with Dyslexia: Support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) and a passionate dyslexia advocate.

Respected academic and Patron of SPELD Victoria speaks about his experience as a dyslexic academic and the value of the support he has had throughout his career.

Episode 5 with Jackie French

Did you know that 48% of Tasmanians do not have the literacy and numeracy skills they need for life in a technologically rich world? Find out more on how the 26TEN program is trying to address this major issue within their communities.

Catherine Deveny is a writer, comedian, author, social commentator and speaker well known for her work as a columnist with The Age newspaper, as a Melbourne International Comedy Festival favorite and as an ABC regular. Wedged between her busy speaking schedule and working on two books for Black Inc Books she is currently a columnist for the Guardian. Catherine is a passionate advocate, working extensively as a patron and volunteer in the community for a variety of causes including the Federal Government’s Helping People with Dyslexia Working Party. She along with her two sons are dyslexic. Listen to Episode 3 now. Read more about Catherine’s successful life story.

Episode 2 - Dear Dyslexic speaks with Dr Nola Firth who is an Honorary Research Fellow at The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne. Nola has over 30 years’ experience working with students who have learning disabilities...

Episode 1 - Dear Dyslexic speaks with Savvy from Savvy Motivation a dyslexic advocate. Savvy has worked in the media and entertainment industry for over 16 years and now runs his own audio and sound company. On top of his busy work life,