Book Project 2026 and Charity Fundraiser

Background

Having been an assessor for almost 25 years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of children, young people, parents and adult clients from all over the world. Exploring neurodiversity often involves a long journey and I play a very small role in this, whether I’m perhaps formally diagnosing dyslexia that just ‘makes sense’ after years of suspicion or I’m raising the possibility of other needs, some of which may have gone under the radar until I explain them, such as ADHD, autism, language difficulty or dyspraxia.

Why do I want to write a book?

I'm writing a book about dyslexia assessments to inspire others who’re considering having an assessment or just wanting to learn more. I’m often hearing about the positive impact from an assessment which includes:

  • families seeing their young people happier, more confident, less frustrated, understood, etc…

  • little difference seen at school regarding support but families relieved to have an answer

  • a much calmer home life when it’s understood that challenges around language and/or ADHD may be the trigger for strong emotions

  • schools now having a more refined understanding of the children’s needs, such as putting in place appropriate interventions and/or exploring exam access arrangements

  • having had the possibility of other needs raised which might explain the fuller picture

  • university students who’re now able to have exam access arrangements, specialist learning support and help through the Disabled Students’ Allowance

  • adults who previously didn’t think they could return to studying or go for promotion at work but now realise that perhaps they can…or are just relieved to finally have an answer to the question mark that’s hovered above them for years

 

Why are you inviting others to be involved?

Whilst the book will include a lot of practical information and my own anecdotes, it's the people who've been assessed who have the most inspiring stories to tell, whether wishing to share a long story (up to 2,500 words) or contribute just a few lines. So, whether assessed by me or another assessor, I'm inviting people to take part from the following groups (this will be updated over time to reflect the contributions received):

  • parents of primary school age children who've been formally assessed

  • parents of secondary school age children who've been formally assessed

  • sixth form students

  • university students

  • all other adults, such as those who're working or who've retired

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes, absolutely. Surnames and organisation names (like schools) will not feature in the book but you can choose whether to use your (and, if appropriate, your child’s) first name.

Is there a deadline for sharing my story?

Yes, the deadline to submit wording for the book is 31 July 2026 ahead of publishing it around 1 December 2026.

Will I get paid for contributing or receive money from book sales?

No money will be paid and Sarah will retain final editing rights but everyone contributing can have their names put into a draw and copies of the finished printed book will be posted to the first 5 names drawn. In addition to this, 10% of all sales will go to the mental health charity MIND with donations made at the end of each quarter.

I’d like to get involved. What do I need to do next?

Please either email me at smdyslexia.co.uk or send me a message through my website in the first instance.

I'll send you a link to a Google form which has 3 main questions with some prompts to help you and this can be completed on a laptop, phone, etc. This form can be completed anonymously. If form filling is tricky, we can alternatively meet up over Zoom to discuss your responses.

If you know someone who’s had an assessment and they’d like to be involved in this project too, I’d love to hear from them so please encourage them to get in touch.