Interview With Guy & Suzanne Pope-Mayell

Ever feel inspired by those who turn their biggest challenges into their best strengths? That’s how I felt chatting with Guy and Suzanne from the Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand. They’re brilliant entrepreneurs who’ve revolutionised support for dyslexic and neurodiverse learners. In this episode, they share stories about resilience, school transformations, and creative ways to help our kids thrive.

This conversation is packed with real, practical strategies, especially if you have a child whose learning journey needs a different approach. Their passion for taking small changes and turning them into big outcomes was evident all throughout the chat. Let’s dive into some highlights.

The Power of Community and Connection

Guy and Suzanne talked about the importance of connection for those with dyslexia. They emphasised that schools, parents, and communities all need to pull in the same direction. There’s a sense of hope when families realise they’re not alone and that support exists in more ways than many think.

People often ask, “Isn’t dyslexia just reading trouble?” Actually, it can affect all sorts of learning areas, from writing to organisation skills. Knowing this helps parents have more realistic expectations. It also helps teachers see that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach can leave neurodiverse students feeling overwhelmed.

“Dyslexia isn’t just about letters mixing up on the page. It’s about how a child interprets the world. When we see the whole person, we can help them find their unique path.” – Guy and Suzanne

Practical Tips for Supporting Kids in School

Dyslexia can show up in unexpected ways, and teachers might not always know what to look for. Guy and Suzanne shared simple tactics that can close this gap quickly. One of these tips is encouraging learning through visuals and conversation, rather than staring at the same written text.

They also mentioned that humour and storytelling can help bring concepts to life. Everyone loves a good story. In a classroom, stories can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world examples.

Here are a few practical ways to support dyslexic children in a school environment:

• Flexible Learning Tools: Let them use audio books or text-to-speech devices whenever possible.
• Visual Aids: Charts, diagrams, and colour-coding can turn boring facts into memorable images.
• Collaborative Work: Pair or group activities can spark confidence and keep engagement levels high.
• Celebrate Effort: A pat on the back for trying new approaches can be just as important as a top grade.

Adapting Through Lockdowns and Remote Learning

Lockdowns changed how children learn. Online lessons can be harder for those who need to move around and engage with content in different ways. Guy and Suzanne pointed out that small, meaningful adjustments can help a child stay motivated even when logging in from home.

They suggested keeping sessions short and flexible. Frequent breaks allow learners to reset and not feel trapped behind a screen. If a child reads better in a comfy corner, let them pick their own safe spot at home. That sense of control can do wonders for motivation.

Another tip they shared is setting clear (but achievable) goals for each day. Maybe it’s finishing an audio book chapter or trying a new writing technique. Ticking off a daily achievement can give a sense of progress, which is especially vital when routines are turned upside down.

Why Embracing Neurodiversity Matters

At its heart, dyslexia is just one type of neurodiversity. When schools learn to see it as a unique learning style, not a mistake, children feel more secure. They’re more willing to take risks in the classroom. They grow up knowing their ideas have value, which can lead to beautiful innovations down the line.

Mainstreaming support for dyslexia also reduces stigma. It tells children they have a place in the educational landscape. You don’t have to be labelled as “different” in a negative way. Instead, you’re free to explore creative out-of-the-box thinking, something that can help you shine in areas like art, drama, science, or even entrepreneurship later in life.

Making a Real Impact

Guy and Suzanne’s work with the Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand goes beyond simply handing out brochures. They’ve collaborated with schools to transform classrooms into inclusive spaces. They use their business brains to fund initiatives that champion neurodiversity, encouraging others to step in and help.

This positive momentum shows that real change happens when passionate people band together. Their story is a reminder that being different is also an opportunity to do amazing things. It all starts by creating an environment where children know they’re free to learn in their own way.

• Look beyond reading difficulties—dyslexia affects many parts of learning.
• Short, interactive lessons keep kids engaged, especially during lockdowns.
• Real connection helps children feel seen and heard.
• Neurodiversity is worth celebrating because each mind learns differently.

If you’d like the full scoop, the podcast’s player will be at the top of the page. Give it a listen, then share what resonated with you. Plus, to see more of what we do, visit Truth About Dyslexia. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and help us spread the word. You never know who might find the inspiration they need. Thanks for reading, and happy listening!