Creative, Successful, Dyslexic: 23 High Achievers Share Their Stories

23 very well-known people from the arts, sport, and business worlds talk about how dyslexia affected their childhood, how they were able to overcome the challenges and use the special strengths of dyslexia to achieve great success in adulthood. Darcey Bussell CBE, Eddie Izzard, Sir Richard Branson, Meg Mathews, Zoe Wanamaker, Sir Richard Rogers, Benjamin Zephaniah, Steven Naismith, Lynda La Plante, Jackie Stewart, Sophie Conran and others share their stories, and their advice.

All reveal the enormous difficulties they faced, the strength required to overcome them, the crucial importance of adult support, and how 'the different way the brain is wired' in dyslexia has enabled them to see something different in the world and to use their creativity in an exceptional way. They talk about 'thinking sideways', and the ability to look at a bigger picture, the often strong visual strength, and the ability to listen, and to grasp simplicity where other people see only complexity. They also talk about how dyslexia continues to challenge them, and the ways they have found to work around this.

An introduction, and final section that includes practical information about dyslexia, are written with the support of Dyslexia Action, and a percentage of profit from the book is donated to Dyslexia Action. The book is essential reading for teachers and other professionals, and for families affected by dyslexia, and inspirational for people with dyslexia

Table of Contents

Foreword by Mollie King.

Introduction.

1. David Bailey.
2. Ed Baines.
3. Charley Boorman.
4. Richard Branson.
5. Marcus Brigstocke.
6. Darcey Bussell.
7. Brian Conley.
8. Sophie Conran.
9. Kelly Hoppen.
10. Eddie Izzard.
11. Lynda La Plante.
12. Kenny Logan.
13. Meg Mathews.
14. Nigel McCrery.
15. Steven Naismith.
16. Paul Nixon.
17. Theo Paphitis.
18. Chris Robshaw.
19. Richard Rogers.
20. Jackie Stewart.
21. Zoe Wanamaker.
22. Zelda West-Meads.
23. Benjamin Zephaniah.

About Dyslexia.

Where to go for help.

"This book provides clear and inspirational hope for anyone with a dyslexic child. Like many excellent books it is written from personal experience. I strongly recommend it."
- Sian Griffiths, Education Editor, The Sunday Times

"I would recommend this to people diagnosed with dyslexia and their families. One invaluable message is that perseverance and determination can help people achieve. Another is that talents in the dyslexia profile may be underrated at school but of tremendous importance to society afterwards. One interesting recurring theme was the importance of parents and the difference they could make in helping their children believe in themselves; more than one said "that costs nothing"."
- Bernadette McLean, Principal of the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, UK

"In my experience every person with dyslexia has amazing potential waiting to be untapped. Sadly, this potential is often missed by our exam focussed education system. But once dyslexic people find their passion and talent they can achieve extraordinary things, as this wonderful collection of interviews demonstrates. I hope this book inspires young people, educators and parents to focus on what dyslexic people CAN do, not just what they can't."
- Kate Griggs, Dyslexia Campaigner (Xtraordinary People) and Founder & CEO of Untap.it