Arenting, Dyslexia Comprehension & More With Jo Rees

Wondering what it feels like to walk in the shoes of someone with dyslexia? In this episode, we hear from the inspiring Jo Rees, who opens up about her journey from confused student to confident adult. She speaks candidly about challenges at school, encountering misunderstandings, and finally recognising her own strengths.

Jo firmly believes support and understanding can change everything. If you’re a parent, teacher, or an adult with dyslexia yourself, this conversation is bound to make you think differently about what dyslexia really looks like.

The Self-Doubt and Realisation

Jo’s early years were shaped by persistent self-doubt. She always felt she was missing something that everyone else seemed to grasp so easily. At the time, ADHD or other conditions stole the spotlight, which left her wondering if dyslexia was even a “real” thing. She says she felt like an imposter, never quite sure if she could trust her own abilities.

“I remember thinking, am I just pretending to struggle? Is this all in my head?” — Jo Rees

That sinking feeling she describes is common. So many dyslexics move through life wondering why their brain refuses to play nice with words and numbers until one day they realise: it’s not them, it’s dyslexia. That moment of clarity can be powerful. A proper diagnosis offers the missing piece of the puzzle, and that can spark real change.

Misconceptions About Dyslexia

In this episode, Jo unravels some common myths. Dyslexia is more than just letter reversal or reading issues. It can affect memory, concentration, and even the rhythms of daily life. And it doesn’t always show up in the same way for everyone.

She also tackles the misconception that dyslexics aren’t capable in school. There are times when an individual with dyslexia can excel in one lesson but struggle in the next. That inconsistency can lead to frustration for the person and for those who don’t fully understand the nature of dyslexia.

Teaching methods that focus only on weaknesses can do more harm than good. Many of us thrive when we’re allowed to play to our strengths. Sometimes, that could be creativity or problem-solving. Other times, it might be the gift of seeing the bigger picture. For Jo, the most life-changing moments came from teachers who nurtured her abilities instead of constantly pointing out her mistakes.

Raising Dyslexic Children

Parents play a huge role in building resilience in children with dyslexia. Jo highlights how important it is to focus on what your child can do, rather than what they can’t. It might be music, drama, sports, or another activity that makes them light up. Those passions can boost self-esteem, which in turn helps them handle tough academic areas with more confidence.

She also encourages parents to get involved in extracurriculars. When kids see that they can shine on stage, on the field, or in an art class, it reminds them that their minds have real power. They’re allowed to be great at something. That sense of achievement can make a massive difference when they have to tackle spelling or reading challenges.

But don’t forget that patience is key. When a child experiences inconsistency in performance, they might feel shame or frustration. Having a safe space to talk about those feelings can keep them from bottling it all up. And that’s where good communication matters. Whether it’s with teachers, tutors, or coaches, discussing strategies honestly can help everyone stay on the same page.

Thriving as an Adult with Dyslexia

It’s not uncommon to carry dyslexia into adulthood. Many begin to notice they process information a bit differently from their colleagues, but they assume they just need to work harder. Jo explains that the greatest asset a dyslexic adult can have is self-awareness. Recognising how you learn, recall information, or communicate is half the battle.

She suggests focusing on your unique skill set to overcome the imposter syndrome so many of us feel. Love problem-solving? Great. Good at empathising with others? Fantastic. Embrace that. Sometimes, acknowledging that you think laterally can open new doors in the workplace. You may even see tasks in a fresh, innovative way.

Jo also reminds us that support is still available for adults. Whether through online communities, books, or professionals specialising in dyslexia, you’re not on your own. A simple conversation with the right person can help you discover new coping methods, memory techniques, or straightforward ways to organise tasks.

Resources, Tips, and Guidance

If you’re looking to learn more, Jo’s story is on her website. She has a fantastic collection of tips, insights, and supportive words:

• dyslexiclifewithjorees.com — Discover her book and ongoing projects.
• Tiktok: @dyslexiclifewithjorees — Fun, bite-sized clips with dyslexia tips and relatable moments.

You can also find great resources here:

• rightbrainresetters.com — Join a community that embraces creative thinking.
• addednutrition.com — Use code for 20% off your first order.
• truthaboutdyslexia.com — Our core hub for more wisdom on dyslexia, ADHD, and more.
• facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia — A Facebook group for adults with dyslexia to share support and stories.

Every dyslexic journey is personal, but hearing stories like Jo’s shows that hope, understanding, and practical help really do exist. Parents can nurture confidence in young learners by letting them shine in their areas of strength. Adults can thrive when they discover the right strategies to suit their learning style.

• Dyslexia often hides behind other conditions, making it feel less valid.
• Feeling like an imposter is common but temporary.
• Teacher support and encouragement are game-changers.
• Noticing and leveraging strengths builds true confidence.
• Dyslexia doesn’t appear identical in every person.
• An official diagnosis can be a life-shifting moment.

Ready to dive deeper into Jo’s personal experiences and learn valuable techniques to help yourself or someone you love? Then tune in to the full episode of the podcast. You’ll find the player right at the start of this page — it’s a chat brimming with insight, compassion, and a much-needed dose of optimism.