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As we mark Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024, I wanted to take a moment to share my own journey with dyslexia—a journey that, in some ways, I didn’t fully understand until recently.
Unlike many who are diagnosed at a young age, I grew up not knowing I had dyslexia. It wasn’t something that was picked up on in school, and I just thought that everyone struggled with reading and writing the way I did. Things like getting letters the wrong way around, missing words from sentences, and needing extra time to process written information were just "normal" to me.
It wasn’t until much later in life that things started to click. Both of my sons were diagnosed with dyslexia in their early school years, and as I learned more about their experiences, a lot of things about my own struggles started to make sense.
Watching my sons work through their dyslexia and seeing how they were supported at school really opened my eyes. They’d come home and talk about how they mixed up letters, how some words felt like they jumped off the page, and how much harder they had to focus on things like spelling and grammar. It was like hearing my own childhood experience, but this time I had the language to describe it: dyslexia.
I remember thinking, “So that’s why I always had trouble with reading!” It was a real lightbulb moment, one that helped me understand so much about myself—why I sometimes miss key details in emails, or why I need to proofread things over and over again to catch mistakes.
Even though I’ve never been officially diagnosed, I now know that I live with many of the same challenges my sons face. And while I’ve learned to manage it over the years, dyslexia still shows up in my work as Marketing Manager here at Quality Care Group. Things like writing reports or preparing presentations can take me a bit longer, and I rely heavily on tools like spell check and grammar software to get things right.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of self-awareness. Understanding how dyslexia affects me has allowed me to develop strategies to work around it. I’ve also become more comfortable asking for help when I need it, whether that’s having a colleague review an important document or taking extra time to prepare before a big meeting.
I’m fortunate to work in an environment like Quality Care Group, where there’s a real focus on understanding and supporting neurodiversity. Being part of a company that values different ways of thinking has made a huge difference. I’ve been able to openly talk about my experiences, and it’s helped me connect with others who have similar stories.
While I might never get a formal diagnosis, knowing what I know now about dyslexia has changed my perspective. It’s helped me be more compassionate toward myself and more understanding of others who might be facing similar challenges. I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on, and I’m even prouder of my sons for navigating their own paths with confidence.
As Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 continues, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the different ways people experience the world. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, dyslexia is just one part of who we are, and with the right support, it doesn’t have to hold anyone back.
If you think you or a loved one might be living with dyslexia, don’t hesitate to seek out support. The right tools and understanding can make all the difference.
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