The Dyslexia Connection

I could tell you I am fantastic at everything, but I’d be lying.

I just finished recording my audiobook, Be Useful. It comes out October 10. I could tell you how amazing it was to sit down and record my own words, but the truth is, I was absolutely dreading it.

Here’s my secret: I’m a terrible reader. They didn’t talk about learning disabilities in Austria in the 1950s, so most of the time, when I was asked to read out loud in class, it was just a disaster, and I got smacked with a ruler. But now I know that I’m dyslexic.

When I prepare for a movie, I read the script over and over for months until I’ve memorized every line. I need time and reps to get my mind around the words.

They told me authors ready their books in 2 or 3 days at the studio. I asked for the recording equipment at home and told them I’d do 20-30 pages a day. That way I could log in with the director and producer twice a day for shorter sessions and I could practice non-stop in between.

In this process, I used my own lessons.

1. I let myself dread it and complain for a minute, but then I forced myself to get moving, because denial wasn’t going to get it recorded.
2. I did so many reps I couldn’t count. I broke it up into small pieces, knowing that small wins build up into big victories, or in this case, a whole book.
3. I had the help of a fantastic team. My own team, but also the producers and directors Nithya, Danny, and Kris, and Eric who set up the equipment. All of us need help; none of us are self made.

When you listen to the audiobook, I hope you’re inspired, not just by the words, but by the process of recording them. You can pre-order now at BeUsefulBook.com and subscribe to my newsletter if you want stories like this in your inbox at ArnoldsPumpClub.com

Confidence is everything! 💥 💥 💥

Dyslexia is not just a diagnosis that labels one’s weakness with written language. There is also a sea of strengths to celebrate!

What are some of you or your child’s dyslexia superpowers?

From our families to yours... ✨

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Insight into the dyslexic mind...

To all of you parents out there, keep the love and respect of these hardworking kids front and center! ✨ The emotional barriers are as equally as important as the academic barriers.

Children who failed to learn how to read and spell have been failed by a system that did not provide them with scientifically validated teaching instruction that has been proven to work.

A common difficulty that is rarely diagnosed, but thankfully there is more awareness lately! A good read if math is a struggle for you, or one of your students or children. 🧮 📓✏️1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣

Chris was told he 'didn't have the head' for maths. Years later he was diagnosed with dyscalculia Do you use your fingers for simple maths? Find timetables difficult to read? Use a digital clock? You might have dyscalculia.

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