Book Project 2026: The Power of a Dyslexia Diagnosis
A book of information, insight and personal stories
Background
Does receiving a formal diagnosis of dyslexia really make a difference?
Support should never depend solely on having a diagnosis and many schools, universities and workplaces provide excellent help without one. But after around 25 years of assessing children and adults, I've repeatedly seen how powerful finally understanding why something has been difficult can be.
A diagnosis can provide far more than a label. It can bring understanding, validation and a clearer picture of someone's strengths and difficulties - as well as helping to identify the support and strategies that may make a genuine difference.
That's what my book, The Power of a Dyslexia Diagnosis, explores - told through personal stories of diagnosis alongside practical information and my own experiences as an assessor.
What difference can a diagnosis make?
Over the years, I've seen:
children realise there's a reason why some things feel harder to them - and that there are strategies that can help
parents see their child become happier, more confident and more compassionate towards themselves
families gain a better understanding of behaviours, frustrations and misunderstandings
schools develop a clearer picture of needs that may previously have gone under the radar
university students access appropriate exam access arrangements, specialist support and Disabled Students' Allowance
adults finally find an answer to a question that may have followed them for decades - sometimes giving them the confidence to return to education or pursue opportunities at work
other possible neurodivergent needs being recognised and explored
Sometimes, the practical support changes dramatically. Sometimes, it doesn't. But simply understanding yourself - or your child - differently can be enormously powerful.
Why are you inviting others to be involved?
The heart of this book is the personal stories.
I can provide professional information and share what I've observed over many years as an assessor but the people who have experienced diagnosis themselves - and the parents who have watched that journey - can tell its impact far more powerfully.
Contributions don't need to be beautifully written or lengthy. A few honest lines can be just as valuable as a longer story and contributions can be anonymous.
I'm particularly keen to hear from:
parents of primary-aged children who've been formally assessed
parents of secondary-aged children
sixth form students
university students
adults at any stage of life - working, studying, job searching, caring for a home or family, or retired.
Is there a deadline for sharing my story and will I get paid?
The deadline for contributions is 31 October 2026 and you're very welcome to remain anonymous.
Contributors won't be paid and I retain final editorial control so that stories fit naturally within the book. Everyone who contributes can choose to enter a draw with 5 contributors receiving a printed copy of the finished book.
10% of any money I receive from the book will be donated to the mental health charity MIND.
I’d like to get involved. What do I need to do next?
I'd love to hear from you!
Please email me at [email protected] or send a message through my website in the first instance. I'll then send you a link to a short Google form containing 3 main sections with prompts if you need them.
You can complete the form on a phone, tablet or computer and submit your story anonymously if you prefer.
If forms aren't your thing, that's absolutely fine. We can arrange a Zoom conversation instead and talk through your experiences together.
If you know somebody else who has been formally assessed and might like to share their story, please feel free to send them this page.