The Truth About Dyslexia book
Dyslexia & ADHD Explained From The Inside
What I Wish They'd Told Me
A short, honest book by Stephen Martin for adults trying to understand dyslexia or ADHD, and for the people who love them.
Audiobook currently in production
Already read it? Leave an honest Amazon reviewAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Again, thanks so much for the book. It has helped me understand the dyslexic brain a bit more. I could have cried when reading it. One never realises just how differently a dyslexic brain functions, and reading your book put it into perspective. I read it in a couple of hours, as it was so interesting and I could not put it down.
From the podcast to the page
The book I wish I had when I was trying to understand my own brain.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at 10 and ADHD at 32. Getting a label answered one question, but it did not explain how to live, work, communicate or build relationships with the brain I have.
The Truth About Dyslexia podcast became a place to talk honestly about the patterns I kept noticing. This book brings the most useful parts of that journey into one clear place to begin.
It is not a heavy clinical manual and it will not diagnose you. It is the real story of what I learned, what helped, and what I wish somebody had explained much earlier.
Who this book is for
A useful starting point for you, or a way to help someone understand you.
You are starting to wonder
You recognise signs of dyslexia or ADHD in adult life but do not yet have the language for what you experience.
You have the label, but not the explanation
You were diagnosed years ago, yet nobody explained memory, overwhelm, energy, emotions or relationships in a useful way.
You love someone whose brain works differently
You want to understand your husband, wife, partner or family member without blame, jargon or becoming an expert overnight.
A book you can hand to someone you love
Sometimes the hardest part is finding the words.
A partner may see forgotten details, unfinished tasks or a strong emotional reaction. They may not see the effort, overload or confusion underneath.
This book gives you a shared starting point. You can hand it to someone and say, “Some of this is what I have been trying to tell you.”
Also get the free 20 Things guide →Clear, human and manageable
Short enough to finish. Useful enough to share.
At 142 pages, this book is deliberately approachable. Read it in manageable pieces, return to the parts that sound familiar, and share them with someone who needs to see the world from your side.
- Personal experience instead of a wall of theory
- Practical language for real adult life
- Honest reflections on work, energy and relationships
- A reminder that different does not mean broken
Inside the book
Five parts that move from “What just happened?” to “What do I do now?”
The book follows the questions that arrive when adult dyslexia or ADHD finally has a name. It makes room for the emotional side, then turns understanding into practical ways forward.
The moment everything changes
Relief, grief, late diagnosis and the silence that can follow when nobody explains what happens next.
How your brain actually works
Visual thinking, memory, automatic tasks, time, sequencing and sensory overload, explained from the inside.
The stuff nobody talks about
Trigger words, criticism, masking, relationships, perfectionism, the inner critic and carrying it alone.
When ADHD is part of the picture
The second penny drop, how dyslexia and ADHD interact, and Stephen’s experience of approaches that helped.
Building a life that fits your brain
Systems, tools, energy, burnout, work, the entrepreneur brain and letting go of somebody else’s version of normal.
About the author
Stephen Martin
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at 10, then ADHD at 32. For years I had the label without a useful explanation for how my brain affected work, relationships, energy and everyday life.
I started the Truth About Dyslexia podcast to share what I was learning in real time. More than 800 episodes later, this book brings the clearest lessons into one place for adults and the people who love them. I do not have it all figured out. I am sharing the honest things I wish somebody had told me sooner.
Help the next person find it
Read it. If it helps, please leave an honest review.
Amazon reviews help an independent author reach adults and families who are searching for an honest explanation of dyslexia and ADHD. Even a short review can make a real difference.
Prefer to listen?
The audiobook is in production.
Kindle and paperback editions are available now. The audio edition is being prepared and will be added when it is ready.
Quick answers
About the Truth About Dyslexia book.
Who is the Truth About Dyslexia book for?
This book is for adults exploring dyslexia or ADHD, people who have a diagnosis but never received a useful explanation, and partners or family members who want to understand what life can feel like from the inside.
Is this a clinical or diagnostic book?
No. Stephen writes from lived experience. The book is educational and personal, and it does not replace an assessment, diagnosis or advice from a qualified health professional.
How long is the book?
The paperback is 142 pages. It is deliberately short, clear and easy to read in manageable pieces.
Is there an audiobook?
The audiobook is currently in production. Kindle and paperback editions are available now.
How can I support the book?
Read the edition that suits you, then leave an honest review on Amazon. Reviews help more adults and families find the book when they are searching for answers.