Review: A new book expands our understanding of dyslexia

Author Chanelle Moriah shines a light on dyslexia with the release of their third book I Am Dyslexic. It’s the follow-up to their previous books I Am Autistic and This Is ADHD.

Dyslexia affects 1 in 10 people. Whether you’re trying to understand a suspected or confirmed diagnosis for yourself or someone else, this is a guide that takes you through the condition gently and thoughtfully. It describes how the condition presents differently for everyone and it provides practical and helpful advice on how to navigate through it. 

This book is a refreshing break from researching conditions in the dark corners of the internet and dealing with the frustrating, confusing and never-ending Google search spiral. A person with or without a diagnosis could read this book without having to filter out the fake news, myths and stigma from the returned results. 

Because the author has their own personal experience of the condition, Moriah has taken care to move the language away from the scientific and medical harshness often used to describe conditions. It’s an empathetic way to read about a condition.

Importantly, this book dedicates whole sections of the book to tools that make life easier for dyslexic people and making reading accessible. I found this book particularly useful as a writer for corporate companies as debates rage on about using plain language to explain complex concepts more simply to the public. The information provided in this guide is invaluable and I intend to use it as a resource to succeed in my day job as a mass communicator for organisations required to be transparent.

Moriah who is dyslexic not only wrote this book, but they illustrated it as well – a talent I am truly in awe of. The colour palette they chose is welcoming and beautifully done in pastel, giving a warm and friendly introduction to dyslexia. With the combination of writing and illustration, they have leapt on the opportunity to create a book that is an impressive example of an accessible read. 

If you have dyslexia or you’re learning about dyslexia, Moriah includes heaps of gems to guide you on all the strengths a dyslexic person may have. Dyslexic people are creative problem solvers who are big picture thinkers. They are observant and intuitive. Plus, in Moriah’s words, a dyslexic person is doing it with “a significant additional mental load” which is so important for society to remember. 

This guide explains dyslexia in the kindest way that might help you better understand yourself or what a family member, friend, workmate or even an acquaintance deals with on a daily basis. Too often our disabilities are reduced to vague descriptions that don’t cover the full experience. It can lead to a windy road of missed turns and awkward corners. This book offers a path to empower you with knowledge about dyslexia and practical advice to support or advocate for a person who has dyslexia. 

I’m looking forward to reading Moriah’s other books too so I can understand more about autism and ADHD as well. I’d ultimately love to see other guides like this for every disability.

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