Description

Marcia is a dyslexic parent who, through learning from her own experience, now works in special educational needs and has become a dyslexic champion. She encourages parents to understand how to get a diagnosis for their child, how to put in place the right support and how to fight for their needs. From her own experience Marcia wrote the book Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic. She suspects that as a child her diagnosis was missed probably because of her race. But eventually, through determination and ambition she got the diagnosis of dyslexia and the support she needed. Marcia thinks schools need to be more inventive in finding the children’s strengths, building their confidence, hope and purpose. Undiagnosed neurodiversity can have serious consequences. 50% of people in the prison system are dyslexic or neurodiverse. Marcia believes that all young people deserve support regardless of their race. Giving children the right intervention and encouragement will build their self-esteem so they can aspire to achieve. They can get help through counselling or tutoring to get the right tools and strategies so that they learn not to see dyslexia as a barrier.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand to recognise the common signs of dyslexia

2. Recognise the varying ways dyslexia is displayed in individuals

3. Recognise the importance of early identification and diagnosis of dyslexia, particularly for children from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds

4. Understand how lived experience can inform effective support strategies for children with dyslexia and build their self-esteem and confidence

5. Identify practical ways parents and educators can advocate for appropriate interventions and inclusive support for neurodiverse learners