Bonus Episode: Coaching Call With Allison

Ever felt like you were the only one dealing with dyslexia’s ups and downs? You’re not alone. In this coaching call, Allison generously shares her journey, which echoes so many real-life struggles we all face.

We walk through her story from school to adulthood, exploring how past experiences shaped her confidence. Then, I dive into practical tools and mindsets that can make dyslexia feel more manageable. If you only have time for one episode, this is a great one to sink your teeth into.

Allison’s Early Experiences with Dyslexia

Allison grew up not knowing why certain things felt so hard. Letters reversed themselves, and teachers told her she was lazy. In reality, she was working twice as hard just to keep up.

When she first discovered that dyslexia was behind these struggles, she felt a wave of relief. Finally, there was a name for what was happening. But that relief didn’t erase the frustration of years spent thinking she was somehow inadequate.

She told me, “I always felt smarter than the grades I was getting, but I didn’t know how to show it.”

Discovering New Perspectives

Sometimes, the missing piece is someone who truly understands dyslexia. Allison realised she needed strategies that worked for her mind, not against it.

We discussed how dyslexics often develop creative problem-solving skills because our brains look for alternatives when traditional paths fall flat. Those skills can be a hidden superpower in the workplace and beyond.

“I felt misunderstood for so long, but I’m starting to see how I can manage my dyslexia better.” – Allison

Tools & Tips

The second half of our chat delved into practical help. We covered core strategies that go a long way:

• Breaking tasks into small steps for clearer focus.
• Using text-to-speech apps to reduce reading fatigue.
• Recording voice notes instead of handwriting lengthy to-do lists.
• Setting reminders on your phone to stay on top of tasks.

One size doesn’t fit all, so look for what lights a spark of interest. If you’re forcing yourself to use a method that feels off, you’ll probably drop it. Keep experimenting until you land on a routine that clicks.

Keeping Momentum

It’s easy to give up when challenges pop back up. Allison admitted there were days she wanted to hide under a blanket and pretend dyslexia didn’t exist. We talked about having a support system or accountability partner who helps keep you on track.

A single conversation can’t fix everything, but it can spark hope. Knowing you’re not alone in how you think is a big relief. Investing time in learning new habits matters more than beating yourself up about what you can’t do yet.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but sharing your story eases the load.
• Creative approaches often emerge from living with dyslexia.
• Experiment with audio, text-to-speech, or voice notes for daily tasks.
• Small wins add up. Celebrate every breakthrough, no matter how small.

If you’re keen to hear more of Allison’s journey and dive deeper into the tools we explored, give the full episode a listen. The player is at the top of the page. You can also find out more about my 1-1 Adult Dyslexia Coaching Sessions or sign up for the wait list for The Confident Dyslexic programme. Have a listen, and see what resonates for you. You might discover the support you’ve been waiting for.