5 Controversial Truths About Dyslexia (you Won’t Hear In School)

Ever felt like dyslexia is seen simply as a reading challenge? Or that all the talk about labels ends up overshadowing real solutions? In the podcast above, Stephen Martin dives into five controversial views on dyslexia that might just shift your perspective. He explores how labels can limit us, how food plays a crucial role in our mental clarity, and why finding better support goes far beyond your usual tests.

In this episode, Stephen urges us to see dyslexia as more than just reading struggles. He reveals why it’s key to take responsibility for your own actions, rather than hiding behind a diagnosis, and how being aware of your neurodivergent quirks can open doors to better self-awareness. If dyslexia has always felt like more than letters and words, you’ll want to keep reading.

Focus on Solutions, Not Labels

We often get tangled up in labels like “dyslexic” or “ADHD” because they can offer a sense of identity. They can also become a trap if we let them define who we are. Stephen stresses that knowing your neurodivergent challenges helps you seek the right support. But if you stop there and simply identify as “the dyslexic one,” you risk never looking for solutions.

Labels are most helpful when they lead to action. They should prompt questions like, “How do I learn best?” or “Where do I need extra help?” Stephen suggests we focus on the practical steps that improve our day-to-day lives. Blaming everything on dyslexia won’t get you far, but using that information to thrive can be game-changing.

“It’s about looking at how we learn from our differences, not simply attaching a label.” ― Stephen Martin

Better Testing Means Better Understanding

Have you ever felt like traditional tests don’t capture who you really are? Neurodivergent challenges might not show up in a simple checklist. Many fish are measured by their ability to climb a tree (to borrow a popular metaphor). Stephen points out that current testing systems often fail to reflect the full reality of being dyslexic. They can catch obvious reading issues but miss hidden struggles with memory, attention, or even anxiety.

If our tests can’t see the broader picture, we end up with partial truths. That’s frustrating for individuals who sense something else is going on. When we push for better, more holistic testing, we stand a chance of finding solutions that fit us personally. Imagine if tests helped uncover your unique strengths rather than just highlighting where you stumble.

Food’s Hidden Impact on Neurodivergent Minds

It’s easy to think that what you eat only matters for physical health. But Stephen dives deep into how our diets affect our minds, especially for those who are neurodivergent. Sugary foods or highly processed meals can cause our brains to work overtime. That can make normal daily tasks feel like climbing a mountain.

Stephen isn’t saying you can magically cure dyslexia by changing your diet. However, it helps to know that good nutrition supports better mental clarity. He also discusses how big food companies sometimes put profit ahead of your wellbeing, so it’s wise to pay attention to what’s on your plate. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but cutting back on junk can have a noticeable effect on your focus.

It’s More Than Reading and Writing

Dyslexia is more than flipping letters around. Stephen emphasises that it can affect how you process information in all sorts of ways. You might struggle to follow certain instructions. Or you could have trouble keeping track of time. On the flip side, maybe you’re fantastic at problem-solving or coming up with creative ideas.

Many adults discover their dyslexia later in life, which can be both a relief and a source of regret. They see that the struggles they had weren’t because they were lazy or careless, but because their brain worked differently. The big shift happens when you accept that dyslexia covers reading, writing, and a host of other cognitive pathways. When you do, you can start training those unique mental muscles in ways that set you free.

Never Use Dyslexia as an Excuse

It’s one thing to say, “I need a different approach because of my dyslexia.” It’s another thing entirely to use it as a reason for not trying. If you treat dyslexia like a permanent roadblock, you miss out on personal growth. Stephen explains that dyslexia should be an explanation for why some things are harder, not an excuse to quit.

Life happens. We all have responsibilities. Dyslexia doesn’t remove that. Instead, it calls for creative problem-solving. If you’re running late with a project, you could say, “My dyslexia means it’s tricky for me to estimate time accurately.” Then you might look for a new time-management system that compensates. Using an excuse would mean simply giving up, while an explanation sets you on a path to adapt and improve.

• Don’t let “dyslexic” become your entire identity.
• Look for testing that goes beyond reading ability.
• Pay attention to how food affects your daily focus.
• Understand that dyslexia extends to many mental tasks.
• Never hide behind your diagnosis; let it inform your growth.

Curious to learn more about how dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions shape people’s lives? Want to find out how to use these insights to your advantage, both at work and at home? Then you’ll love the full podcast episode with Stephen Martin. Click the play button at the top of this page to join us for a deeper look at these controversial views.

• Know your neurodivergent challenges so you can address them.
• Remember, a label is a starting point, not the end goal.
• Diet can boost or sink your clarity.
• Dyslexia often involves more than letters and words.
• Taking ownership is a key part of moving forward.

To explore these ideas in greater detail, listen to the full episode. If you want to connect with others going through similar journeys, join the club at rightbrainresetters.com. And if you’d like better nutrition options, grab 20% off your first order at addednutrition.com.

For more resources and a supportive community, check out truthaboutdyslexia.com. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. We’re here to help you see the silver linings in this sometimes challenging, always fascinating, adventure we call dyslexia.

Ready to dive deeper? Press play on the podcast at the top of the page and learn how these five controversial views can change your dyslexia journey.