Christmas Present Guide For Dyslexics And The Neurodiverse

Ever caught yourself listening to a conversation and thinking, “That’s exactly how I feel”? This episode dives into those moments of recognition, when you suddenly realise you’re not alone in what you’ve been thinking or feeling.

The discussion explores how dyslexia or ADHD can shape the way we interact with the world. If you’ve had that spark of, “Hey, that’s me,” it may be time to dig deeper. Below is a short overview of what we covered.

Why It’s Comforting to Hear “That’s Me!”

We often assume we face our challenges all by ourselves. Yet the more you chat with likeminded people, the more you discover you’re not on an isolated journey. A comment or story that mirrors your own experience can open your eyes to the bigger picture.

In this episode, I talk about the power of shared experiences. One moment you’re thinking you’re the odd one out. Then you hear someone describing your own story. It’s that grounding reminder that you’re part of a community, even if you’ve never met that person face-to-face.

“Sometimes you feel like you’re on your own little island, but hearing someone else say it changes everything.”

Recognising Patterns and Emotions

When you recognise a pattern in your life, it’s a clue that something is worth exploring. It could be feeling scattered when you tackle new projects. It might be that sudden spark of inspiration before you drop into a slump of self-doubt. Noticing these rhythms can help you see why you react in certain ways.

Over time, patterns become almost invisible to us. We go through the motions without giving them a second thought. But when you hear someone outline the same routines, your mind shifts. You think, “Is that me?” and everything clicks into place. It’s a step towards better understanding yourself and how your mind works.

Breaking the Isolation

Dyslexia and ADHD sometimes bring about a sense of isolation, especially when it feels like no one gets how you see the world. You might worry you’re oversharing or that people will downplay your struggles. That little voice in your head might whisper that you’re just making excuses.

But when you learn there are others who share your experience, you begin to drop those walls. You realise that many of your so-called quirks are shared quirks. You find yourself relating to people you never thought you would. It can happen in online forums, local communities, or by simply following a friend’s recommendation to listen to a podcast like this one.

Building Self-Awareness and Empathy

Catching yourself saying, “That’s me,” is more than a momentary thrill. It’s a step into greater self-awareness. You start piecing together why you do what you do. Then you can decide if it’s worth changing or embracing. Maybe you’ve held tightly to certain coping strategies, not realising there’s a simpler approach. Or perhaps you kept your guard up, not guessing your vulnerability could lead to deeper connections.

When you recognise others in your own story, you also build empathy. It’s easier to understand how someone else might feel or why they react a certain way. Instead of thinking, “They’re so different from me,” you see echoes of your own journey. It makes you kinder to people who share traits you used to see as odd or inconvenient.

Practical Ways to Embrace the “That’s Me!” Moments

You don’t have to stop at realisation. Here are a few ways you can turn that awareness into personal growth:

• Jot down your thoughts: Keep a small notebook or open a quick note on your phone. Recognise any repeated patterns, emotional highs or lows, and new insights.
• Talk, even if it’s messy: Share your discoveries with a friend or someone who understands dyslexia or ADHD. Talking helps clarify your thoughts.
• Seek guidance: Look for communities or coaches who can offer tips on managing specific challenges, like organisation or timekeeping.
• Celebrate small wins: If you notice a positive shift, acknowledge it. Give yourself credit for recognising and acting on what you’ve learned.

These steps can help you turn a “That’s me” moment into momentum for change. It’s easy to shelf what you’ve heard, but integrating it into your routine can make a real difference.

Key Takeaways

• Hearing your story in someone else’s words can make you feel less alone.
• Recognising patterns is the first step to changing or embracing them.
• Community support helps break isolation and normalises your experiences.
• A little self-awareness goes a long way in building empathy.
• Practical steps and a supportive circle can help translate insights into action.

Want to hear more about that moment of clicking with someone else’s story? The podcast player is right at the top of this page. Give it a listen and see if you find yourself nodding along, thinking, “That’s me!”