Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Dear Dyslexic Podcast

By Dr Shae WissellEducationSelf-ImprovementCourses
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Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes

  • Lived Experiences and Insights with Ben Walkenhorst - Part 01

    The Dear Dyslexic Podcast introduces its mission to share honest conversations about dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions and welcomes guest Ben Walkenhorst, a consultant at BW Communications with over 20 years’ experience across government, private, and not-for-profit sectors leading teams up to 200 people. The episode sets up a discussion on psychosocial hazards in workplaces, psychological safety, and creating environments where people can be authentic, especially as these hazards are becoming regulated under work health and safety codes in some states. Ben shares his lived experience of dyslexia, diagnosed around year five, describing symptoms including words “swimming” on the page, blurred vision, and auditory processing challenges, particularly in noisy rooms. He explains how Irlen lenses, fitted after extensive testing, helped him dramatically improve academically and supported his later university study and professional qualifications.

    Thanks for listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast.

    If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

    • LifeLine on 13 11 14
    • BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636
    • 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
    • re:think dyslexia helpline 1800 13 6327
    2 min
  • 85. Embracing Neurodiversity: Insights from the International Women's Day Panel on Late Diagnosis
    Recorded as a podcast for International Women’s Day, this panel hosted by Dr Shae brings together Nicci Richman, Dr Kim Gordon, and Dr Annalisa Contos, to share experiences of late diagnosis (ADHD, autism, dyslexia/dysgraphia) and how it reshaped identity, self-compassion, and career trajectories. The discussion links perimenopause/menopause to reduced capacity to mask, emotional peaks and troughs, and grief over missed support and opportunities.
    Panelists describe the invisible load of masking, executive-function demands, parenting neurodivergent children, burnout, and workplace penalties for non-linear careers, “cultural fit,” and intersectional bias. They outline practical workplace changes—universal design, clarity, flexible output-focused work, supportive tools (including AI), easier adjustments, and leaders who model disclosure while noting supports like JobAccess and resources from ADHD Australia.
    About Dear Dyslexic Podcast
    The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire.
    Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/
    Stay Connected
    Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise.
    To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform.
    Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...
    Need Support?
    If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:
    Lifeline: 13 11 14
    Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
    13YARN: 13 92 76
    re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327
    1 hr 20 min
  • 84. "Dyslexia Unplugged: Conversations Across Continents"
    In this special in-studio episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae welcomes Dr Kim Percy and UK-based researcher Dr Helen Ross for a conversation about dyslexia, neurodivergence and the challenges many people face during key life transitions.
    Drawing on her Churchill Fellowship research in Australia, Helen discusses how moving from school to university, training or employment can be a particularly vulnerable time for neurodivergent people. She highlights the impact of long assessment waitlists, difficulties accessing support, and the unique experiences of girls and women whose needs are often overlooked. Helen also shares insights from her exploration of Australian approaches, including flexible pathways through TAFE and other education settings.
    Kim brings both a professional and personal perspective as a lecturer and parent. She reflects on the barriers students can encounter, including missed communications, administrative hurdles, limited access to assessments and delays in receiving learning supports. She also shares her experiences supporting her own son to navigate education systems designed for neurotypical learners.
    Together, Dr Shae, Kim and Helen explore the importance of strong support networks, self-belief and recognising strengths rather than focusing solely on challenges. They discuss persistent myths about dyslexia and intelligence and advocate for more accessible, strengths-based approaches that help neurodivergent people thrive throughout education, employment and beyond.
    About Dear Dyslexic Podcast
    The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire.
    Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/
    Stay Connected
    Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise.
    To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform.
    Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...
    Need Support?
    If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:
    Lifeline: 13 11 14
    Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
    13YARN: 13 92 76
    re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327
    41 min
  • 83. Why Educator Belief Matters More Than Diagnosis: Transforming TAFE for Dyslexic Students

    In this powerful episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Brad Beach, Director of Strategy, Quality and Learning at TAFE Gippsland, to explore dyslexia and neurodivergence in vocational education.

    Brad shares his personal journey as a dyslexic student—from struggling in remedial reading classes to accidentally getting into Melbourne University and eventually leading educational innovation. His story highlights the transformative power of educator belief, referencing John Hattie's research showing that an educator's belief in a student is the strongest predictor of success.

    The conversation tackles critical topics including:

    The challenges and opportunities of the "neurodivergent" label

    Why universal design alone isn't enough—students need individualized support

    Educational trauma and its lasting impact on dyslexic individuals

    TAFE Gippsland's groundbreaking program for students experiencing intersectional disadvantage, achieving 90-100% retention rates

    The importance of wraparound services and trauma-informed teaching approaches

    Moving beyond the "superpower" narrative to focus on practical strategies and strengths

    Brad offers invaluable advice for educators: ask students what they need, provide information in multiple formats, leverage technology, and above all—believe in your students' potential.

    A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in creating truly inclusive learning environments.

    A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

    I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

    If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

    If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

    · LifeLine on 13 11 14

    · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    47 min
  • 82. Speech Pathologist Decodes Dyslexia: Myths, Assessments, and Lifelong Support
    Ever wondered why speech pathologists are unsung heroes in the world of dyslexia?
    In this eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, we dive deep into the fundamentals of dyslexia, bust myths about assessments, and explore how early intervention can transform lives—plus, practical tips for navigating co-occurring challenges like ADHD and dysgraphia. Joining us is Elise Cassidy, a passionate speech pathologist and founder of Code Read Network, a leading organization dedicated to raising dyslexia awareness in Australia.
    With over 30 years of experience in literacy and language development, Elise specializes in supporting children and adults with dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and related learning difficulties. She's driven campaigns like the iconic "Light Up Red for Dyslexia" initiative, which has illuminated landmarks across the country to spotlight dyslexia awareness month, and runs Little Voices, a clinic focused on empowering young people with dyslexia through tailored interventions, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary approaches.
    Elise unpacks the core of dyslexia, explaining how it stems from phonological processing and speech sound system challenges—far beyond just "speech" as many assume. We explore the pivotal role of speech pathologists in early identification, intervention, and assessments, including why they're essential for children and adults alike. The conversation tackles the barriers to diagnosis in Australia, such as high costs and limited access, and advocates for accessible screening tools like those from Read3. Elise shares insights on co-occurring conditions like ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, offering strategies for executive functioning support, assistive technology (from text-to-speech to AI tools), and building "super glue" memory through repetition.
    For more on Elise's work, visit Little Voices: https://www.littlevoices.net.au/
    A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:
    I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!
    If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.
    If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:
    · LifeLine on 13 11 14
    · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636
    51 min
  • 81. I Got Diagnosed With ADHD at 40+ | What I Wish I'd Known Sooner
    For years, I thought I was just busy. Running a podcast, a charity, doing my doctorate, working full-time, raising a child - that's just life, right? But when I was diagnosed with combined ADHD (moderate to severe) in my 40s, everything finally made sense.
    In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping away from our usual dyslexia focus to share my own ADHD diagnosis journey - the signs I missed for decades, the internal chaos I thought was normal, and why getting help changed everything.
    What I cover:
    - Why I never thought I could have ADHD (despite working with it for years)
    - The signs I dismissed: constant internal dialogue, unfinished tasks, extreme fatigue, childhood anxiety
    - How medication helped me in ways I never expected
    - Why the "everyone's a bit ADHD" narrative is harmful
    - Addressing the over-diagnosis myth - and why women in their 40s+ are finally getting diagnosed
    - Why men are likely underdiagnosed (and what we can do about it)
    - The link between ADHD and dyslexia (they highly correlate)
    Key takeaway: If these traits are impacting your quality of life consistently - not just occasionally - that's when it might be ADHD. Everyone forgets things sometimes, but if it's life-altering where you can't function, that's different.
    Resources mentioned:
    ADHD Australia: https://adhdaustralia.org.au/ (trusted partner with excellent resources and conference content)
    Contact Rethink Dyslexia for support with ADHD diagnosis: rethinkdyslexia.com.au
    Shae's book: Dyslexia: Insights into the hidden disability in and out of the workplace https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/dyslexia-insights-into-the-hidden-disability-in-and-out-of-the-workplace/
    About Dr. Shae:
    Shae is a Doctor of Public Health, Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, founder of Rethink Dyslexia, and host of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. She was diagnosed with combined ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive, moderate to severe) in her 40s.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 "I never thought I could have ADHD"
    01:09 Why I'm sharing this now
    03:25 When the narrative around ADHD became harmful
    04:12 My journey: from focus on dyslexia to recognizing ADHD
    06:00 The signs I dismissed for years
    08:00 The "unfinished tasks" pattern
    10:00 Childhood anxiety and sleep struggles
    11:00 Getting assessed: the diagnosis process
    11:10 How medication changed everything
    13:00 "Everyone's a bit ADHD" - why this narrative is wrong
    14:00 What medication actually did for me
    17:17 The over-diagnosis myth (and the UK data)
    19:00 Why women seek help more than men
    21:03 Encouraging everyone to seek support
    23:04 What diagnosis gave me: understanding, language, calm
    If you're struggling with constant mental fatigue, internal chaos, or feeling like life is harder for you than everyone else - you're not alone. Reach out. Get assessed. There is support.
    13 min
  • 80 Dear Dyslexic Podcast | A New Chapter: Now With VIDEO
    Welcome to a new chapter of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. In this special launch video, Dr Shae Wissell shares how the show is evolving to bring stories of dyslexia, ADHD, and neurodiversity to life through video as well as audio. The podcast has always been about real lived experience, honest conversations, and reshaping the way society understands and supports neurodivergent adults. Now you can watch as well as listen — connecting even more deeply with the people and stories that matter.
    Subscribe today and join us on this journey, one story at a time.
    1 min
  • Ep 79 - Neurodivergence & Substance Use: Breaking the Stigma with Dr Erin Lalor AM
    Dr. Erin Lalor AM joins us in this episode to explore the complexities of neurodivergence and substance use, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of these experiences. Drawing on her extensive background in clinical psychology and research, Dr. Lalor delves into personal insights, societal stigma, and evidence-based approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals living with substance use challenges.
    39 min
  • Ep 78: Understanding ADHD: Insights from a Dad's Perspective
    Have you ever felt the weight of navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand the unique challenges of neurodivergence?
    In this heartfelt episode, Shae sits down with Derek McCormack from the Raising Children Network. Derek shares what it’s been like parenting neurodivergent children, navigating complex emotions, diagnoses, and shifting perspectives.
    From exploring emotional load to advocating in school systems, Derek’s insights are real, relatable, and deeply needed.
    35 min
  • Ep 77: Late Diagnoses and Neurodivergent Identity: Monique Mitchelson's Journey
    Have you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you?
    In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity.
    Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical work and popular podcast with over 2.5 million listeners. Her journey is particularly compelling - from initially training in clinical psychology to discovering her own neurodivergence during professional development with autism expert Tony Attwood.
    From unpacking school report cards to examining workplace accommodations, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in neurodiversity. Whether you're personally navigating these experiences, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more about cognitive diversity, you'll find Monique's perspective both enlightening and empowering.
    Featured Resources:
    The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Monique Mitchelson
    Want to hear more from Monique?
    Check out her podcast here and connect with her work here.
    A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:
    I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well!
    If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.
    If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:
    LifeLine – 13 11 14
    BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636
    41 min

About Dear Dyslexic Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us.