As part of our Neurodiversity Celebration Week we’re shining a spotlight on the diverse voices within our community. Hear from different voices as they share their proudest moments, exchange tips and tricks for the workplace and discuss their strengths and challenges!
Let’s meet our first spotlight…
Do you have a ‘lightbulb moment’ when everything made sense?
I suspected I was dyslexic since I was 14 when I spoke my English teacher about it. Because I excelled in maths and science subjects, she immediately ruled it out, but I had to work disproportionately hard in English.
When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and shared her experiences at school and university, I found them to be exactly like mine, so I decided to get assessed at age 52. I am Dyslexic.
I have a very spiky cognitive profile, and now I completely understand why I find some tasks and activities so easy and others much more difficult. In a few areas, I tested at the 99th percentile, but in one area in particular, I was at the 21st percentile.
Receiving my detailed assessment results was my personal lightbulb moment.
What are your strengths and challenges?
Over the years, I’ve undergone various psychological assessments to understand my work style and reassure Texthelp investors that they’re investing in an intelligent and conscientious leader. Some parts of these assessments were easy for me, while others were challenging. It struck me as odd that I struggled with certain sections. Now I understand it’s due to my spiky cognitive profile.
I excel in numbers, data, visualizations, verbal reasoning, and I believe I’m good at communicating with people and explaining things in simple terms. Additionally, I often offer a different perspective because of my unique way of thinking, which is beneficial for our business decision-making process.
Long-form writing isn’t my strength; I prefer speaking with people rather than engaging in lengthy email conversations. I need to be deliberate and cautious when reading, often relying on Text-to-Speech.
Although reading requires effort for me, I enjoy it immensely. I wish I could do it more effortlessly. I’m an avid user of Audible, consuming at least 2 audiobooks per week. At work, I heavily rely on our Read&Write Text-to-Speech tools when going through important materials. It makes it much easier for me to grasp the content, and lowers the cognitive load for me. It just makes it easier.
What are your top tips or tricks for the workplace?
Personally, due to my poor working memory, I always carry a notebook and take notes during meetings. I have to consciously repeat people’s names back to them to help me remember when I meet them for the first time.
If you are an employer or team leader, please consider this:
There are more dyslexic individuals in your organization than people with blue eyes. 75% percent of them will not disclose their dyslexia. Implementing support for staff who may have dyslexia should be a policy. It’s the right thing to do, and it will enable intelligent individuals to be more effective, helping them think, learn, and work to their full potential.
When producing content, whether it’s marketing copy, emails, or reports, keep the writing simple. It’s easier to consume, and more people will engage with it.
Hopefully, I am living proof that dyslexia needn’t hold you back. You may need to work harder in some areas than your colleagues, but there are tools and strategies that make it all very manageable.
Your proudest moment
This is a tough question. I think the things that I am proudest of were all accomplished by my team rather than me. I am proudest when they get the recognition that they deserve.
Find out more about TextHelp
At Texthelp, we are shaping a more inclusive future where everybody can use their unique voice through the power of assistive technology. With a goal to help 1 billion people by 2030, we are empowering individuals in education and the workplace to unlock their full potential.
We firmly believe that with the right environment, tools, and support, every individual can thrive. In today’s ever-evolving workforce, where 1 in 5 individuals are neurodivergent, companies have a unique opportunity to harness neurodiverse talents.
By fostering a culture that celebrates differences and harnessing the capabilities of inclusive technology, workplaces can empower employees to bring their authentic selves to work and effectively use their voice.
Read Martin’s story about why he founded TextHelp.
Related readings
What’s your Strength – The Neurodiversity Pack has Arrived
