Dyslexia and Me

by Onyinye Udokporo

Throughout my life I have been told directly and indirectly that dyslexia is found in particular people... [In fact] dyslexia can be found in someone like me. It isn't just 'okay' but something to be proud of. This book has been written because I want people to know that dyslexia can be found in people of every colour, creed, or circumstance.

In this book, rising star entrepreneur Onyinye Udokporo shares her story of growing up dyslexic in a society where neurodivergence was always presented as a white male issue.

Onyinye discusses her experience of being diagnosed at 11 years old, starting a business the following year, gaining a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school and going on to complete two degrees by the age of 22, while also being honest about the difficulties she faced throughout including with bullying and anxiety. She shares the tips she picked up over the years for thriving with dyslexia and the strategies she used to overcome her difficulties in reading and writing well, staying organised and speaking with confidence.

Illuminating wider issues of systemic racism in the educational sector and providing a timely reminder that dyslexia can be found in any community and culture, this is an empowering story of surviving and thriving in the face of adversity.

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘How to survive and thrive if you are neurodivergent.’

In this book, Ms Udokporo writes of her experiences in growing up with dyslexia. She writes of the challenges she faced and the strategies she and her parents used to help her. Ms Udokporo grew up in England, in a family with a strong connection to their Nigerian culture and heritage. Her dyslexia diagnosis at age 11 followed difficulties with spelling at school. Ms Udokporo is clearly highly motivated: she started a tuition business (Enrich Learning) as a twelve-year-old, gained a scholarship to the prestigious Christ’s Hospital boarding school in West Sussex, and completed two degrees before turning twenty-two. Ms Udokporo is an entrepreneur, educator, dyslexia author, neurodiversity consultant, and content creator.

She wrote this book (her first) because she wanted people to know that neurodivergence is not only experienced by white males, and dyslexia can be found in people of every colour, creed or circumstance.

I found this book interesting. In writing about her own experiences (both good and bad) Ms Udokporo provides the encouragement that other neurodiverse people may find helpful. I was particularly interested in some of the strategies described, including the use of different coloured paper to make it easier to read.

I would recommend this book to anyone living or working with dyslexia.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Poppy Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really insightful read and being disabled and neurodivergent myself it was so comforting. I really appreciated the honesty of sharing your experience with disability and being Black. The perspective and imagery shared is very powerful, sharing your story, as well as advice is so impactful. I hope other POC, especially women of colour, Black women in particular, find themselves in your words. A book very much needed - Poppy Field

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this book 5* because I found it extremely relatable. I was able to draw many parallels between my own experience and Onyinye’s. If I had read a book like this when I was younger my experience of being Dyslexic may have been so very different. In the book Onyinye is open and frank about her educational experiences whilst being Dyslexic. It is refreshing to read. I love the many tips and tricks she shares throughout.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir tells the author's experiences growing up with Dyslexia, and both the challenges and strategies she encountered throughout her education. Udokporo grew up in England in a family with strong ties to their Nigerian heritage. Her learning difficulties became clear early in her schooling when she really struggled with spelling. She was a hard worker, a trait that was fostered by her parents, and extremely resilient, and managed to succeed in school even when her disability was undiagnosed. Udokporo includes a variety of discussions related to Dyslexia, disability awareness, self-advocacy, strategies for success for students with learning disabilities, experiences as a black female with a disability, and dispelling myths about learning differences. The book is fairly short, is well-written and well-researched and offers many important points for readers to consider, including challenging assumptions or beliefs about Dyslexia and other disabilities.

Definitely a great read for anyone with a connection to Dyslexia. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this great book!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book which I could not only relate to but also use for my personal and student support.

The book is a very open, honest and heart on the sleeve read, yet also provides advice for those who are struggling.

I would recommend this to everyone, to give an insight into dyslexia and how to support those with dyslexia.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I wish it was longer! The experiences are so important to share and I loved reading along and thinking, yes, yes and yes. It’s funny being on the other side as a teacher and a dyslexic! I can’t wait to recommend this to people who ask for books on dyslexia

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likely to be a little less helpful to struggling American readers (due to different educational structure and terminology in the UK) but a really necessary contemporary account of surviving and thriving with dyslexia.

[Stephanie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend , great book as a fellow dyslexic person!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really insightful taste of how people with dyslexia struggle and what helps them. As a neurodivergent myself, I found this really refreshing, I also have dyscalculia and it's good to see that these books are finally getting updated from the idea's that were based on dyslexia but about 20 years out of date.

The celebration of dyslexia is so important and books like these helps to people who find out they have dyslexia and it's also good for people who have just recently been diagnosed. I'm glad to have something to recommend.

With thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for my free ARC in return for my review.