Book Project 2026 and Charity Fundraiser

Why do I want to write a book?

There're various opinions about whether having a conclusive diagnosis of a learning need such as dyslexia makes a difference. Support should be in place in the education setting/workplace regardless of a formal diagnosis and there are many schools, colleges, universities and workplaces that already provide excellent help. However, the full picture of people's actual needs can often go undetected and therefore go unsupported. In the case of dyslexia, this is often due to misconceptions about what dyslexia is and how basic screenings (that look to see if are 'signs' of dyslexia but cannot be used to diagnose) often do not produce reliable results.

One reason for writing the book is to highlight the benefits of accurate diagnosis to support a system where more people can access diagnostic assessments, especially where currently a private assessment is usually the only possible route, financially putting it out of reach of many people. For instance with schools, I'd like to see experienced dyslexia specialists with extensive knowledge of other neurodiversity being brought in to a) conduct the full battery of standardised tests having gathered critical background information from the family and school to rule out other explanations, b) be able to formally diagnose if appropriate, c) highlight other needs in the child's profile that would benefit from being explored by other professionals and d) produce a short but very practical report with generic recommendations focusing on the highlighted areas of need...and that these shorter reports can be used for the Disabled Students' Allowance. This would then give people choice about whether to still pursue a private assessment more quickly and have very detailed reports with personalised recommendations or be on the waiting list for this adapted assessment model. Why? I see time and time again the power of a formal dyslexia diagnosis, including on my testimonials page:

• Children understand there's a reason why they find some things more tricky than their peers and the strategies in their report will help them.

• Families see their young people happier, more confident, less frustrated, understood, empowered, etc…

• Home life is calmer when it’s understood that dyslexia and other potential needs raised at the assessment around language, ADHD, etc. may be the trigger for strong emotions or misunderstandings.

• Schools now have a clearer picture of need, especially those that have gone under the radar in the classroom.

• Little difference is seen at school regarding support (perhaps because they're already doing a great job or they're still not putting in place interventions) but families are relieved to have an answer and the assessment findings lead to more refined help at home.

• Other types of neurodiversity are often raised as possibilities which explain what's going on beyond dyslexia and referral letters can be written.

• University students might have exam access arrangements, specialist learning support, help through the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

• Adults who previously didn’t think they could return to study or go for promotion at work now realise that perhaps they can…or they're just hugely relieved to finally have an answer to the question mark that’s hovered above them for years. Like for children, the positive impact on self-esteem and mental health is immeasurable.

There are 3 aims to writing this book. First, to give people who've been assessed a chance to write about their assessment journey stories which can be cathartic. Second, to inspire those who're perhaps debating whether to pursue an assessment for themselves or their children to go ahead and book. Third, to illustrate to educators and policymakers the value of formal identification (not just a screening) and improve better access to assessment.

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.

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 any money I make will go to the mental health charity MIND with donations made at the end of each quarter. I've chosen MIND because of the impact that not fully understanding one's needs can have.