#ShoutAboutDyslexia

Evening all! It’s Day 3 of Blogtober and today’s blog post is all about Dyslexia. For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s Niamh here and I have severe Dyslexia. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and what is quickly turning into tradition is me writing a dedicated post at the beginning of October to mark it! Last year we had a very personal post which if you haven’t read it, check it out here. But, this year is all about the Dyslexic Association of Ireland’s theme #ShoutAboutDyslexia . As 2020 has been a taxing year so far, we are going to look to the arts and some places local that I believe everyone should know about! So, let’s get going. 

Books

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  – Dr. Seuss

First up is the wonderful worlds created by authors! I know reading can sometimes be a challenge and other times it’s the only time you can be yourself but everyone should have the opportunity to find a good book. My go-to bookstore is Khan’s Bookshop in Kilkenny. Not only are their bargain priced books but Khan’s also has a dedicated Dyslexic and reading difficulty section, some lovely titles and you can also get your reading overlays here. The only place locally I could get my aqua colour! 

Must reads:

Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey. The author of this series has dyslexia. The series itself is a great introduction to a fun series. It has a lot of pictures too alongside sentences; a great series for reluctant readers.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Did you know that it’s believed that F. Scott Fitzgerald had dyslexia? He left school at an early age due to his difficulty with spelling and concentration. Despite this he went on to be a renowned author. It is one of my favourite books based in the 1920’s. I think everyone should read it as it is better than the movie.

Movies 

“It’s funny how the colors of the real world only seem really real when you watch them on a screen.” – Anthony Burgess

In movies we lose ourselves for a short amount of time but, in that time we can be anything or, go anywhere. My movies choices reflect a journey with Dyslexia and a celebration of our local animation company in KIlkenny; Cartoon Saloon. The important thing about movies is that, they can inspire anyone to be who they want to be!

Dislecksia: The Movie. 

Long gone are the days where people should think of Dyslexia as an issue with learning. People should think of it as a different way to learn. This movie came out in 2011 and if you can get your hands on it; I’d recommend it to young and old. 

Cartoon Saloon 

Personally I think everyone (with dyslexia or not)  should watch at least one of Cartoon Saloon’s productions. They are awe inspiring. From the colour, design, stories and characters. Their latest creation is ‘Wolfwalkers’, I cannot wait to see it! Some must watch titles include ‘The Secret of Kells’ and ‘The Breadwinner’ which I would highly recommend to everyone.

Music

Music is the gateway to the soul! Everyone has their song that when life gets you down you blast it loud and drown out your troubles. When it comes to the moments where I wish I didn’t make a spelling mistake or completely embarrassed myself in front a group of people after stumbling over my words; I always blast the same song: 

Selena Gomez ‘Who Says’ will always be the song that when life gets me down, for whatever reason, and I need remembering that I am worthy, I blast it. Sure, it might seem to be about how one looks but, its overall principle is that YOU are worth everything just the way you are!

Shout About Dyslexia 

“Today You Are You, That Is Truer Than True. There Is No One Alive Who Is Youer Than You!” – Dr. Seuss 

The most important suggestion I can give is embrace your difference! It truly is your Superpower! It may be only a little part of what makes you you but Dyslexia helps you to see the world in a different way to those who are not lucky enough to have it! It may seem like an enemy at times throughout your life but it can also be your best friend because together there is nothing you cannot do!