Issue 18: November 2023 Dystinct Magazine

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On The Cover

On the cover is Reuben Bainbridge.

This issue covers the story of Reuben Bainbridge, a young talent from County Durham with a diverse career spanning acting, farming, barista work, animal training, and music. His life story highlights resilience in the face of dyspraxia, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, reflecting his journey through adversity, self-discovery, and embracing his unique abilities.

Topics Covered

The November 2023 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:

Issue 18: Reading Between the Lines: Dyslexia’s Emotional Toll in Home and School Life | Melanie Brethour

Melanie Brethour sheds light on the emotional toll of dyslexia in both home and school life, emphasizing the importance of early identification, effective reading instruction, and collaborative support from parents and teachers to help dyslexic children thrive academically and emotionally.

DYSTINCTMelanie Brethour

Issue 18: Dystinct Journey of Zishan Zaffar

Zishan Zaffar, an accomplished writer, director, and creative producer, reflects on his personal journey of navigating life with dyslexia, offering a powerful narrative of his struggles, resilience, and ultimate success, while emphasizing the significance of raising awareness.

DYSTINCTZahra Nawaz

Issue 18: From Frustration to Triumph: Strategies for Parents Advocating for Their Child’s Education | Lisa Stewart

Lisa Stewart offers a comprehensive guide for parents navigating the education system, particularly when advocating for children with special needs, empowering them to foster success and happiness in their child’s educational journey.

DYSTINCTLisa Stewart

Issue 18: Dystinct Journey of Kat Alexander

Kat Alexander shares her lifelong journey with ADHD and dyslexia, recounting the challenges, societal perceptions, and self-discovery, ultimately embracing neurodiversity and advocating for self-acceptance and love.

DYSTINCTKat Alexander

Issue 18: From Awareness to Change: My Search for Equity in Education | Nilam Agrawal

Nilam Agrawal, a dedicated mother advocating for children with Usher syndrome, recounts her family’s journey through the complexities of DeafBlindness and dyslexia, underscoring the critical call for heightened awareness, challenging low expectations, and reshaping educational approaches.

DYSTINCTNilam Agrawal

Issue 18: The Right to Read | Krishangi Shroff

Krishangi Shroff, a determined young disability advocate, shares a poignant account of her struggle to exercise her right to read chapter books in elementary school. Faced with discrimination due to her disability, her narrative highlights the importance of challenging restrictive reading practices.

DYSTINCTKrishangi Shroff

Issue 18: More than just a number | Carva King

Carva King sheds light on the hurdles faced by dyslexic students in standardized testing, advocating for a personalized, outside-the-box educational approach. Her article highlights the story of Brenham Dewitt, a dyslexic student who successfully navigated challenges.

DYSTINCTCarva King

Issue 18: Dystinct Journey of Mathew Spence

Matthew Spence overcame the challenges of dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD, defied discouraging predictions, and earned a psychology degree at the age of 42. He is now planning to establish a counselling service for individuals on the autism spectrum.

DYSTINCTZahra Nawaz

Issue 18: The Ableist Lenses: When Neurotypical Paradigms Fail Neurodivergent Individuals | Simon da Roza

Simon da Roza examines the struggles faced by neurodivergent individuals against neurotypical standards, emphasizing the need to shift societal paradigms, celebrate neurodiversity, and embrace a “double empathy” approach for genuine inclusivity.

DYSTINCTSimon da Roza

Issue 18: Dystinct Journey of Reuben Bainbridge

The journey of Reuben Bainbridge, a young talent from County Durham with a diverse career spanning acting, farming, barista work, animal training, and music. His life story highlights resilience in the face of dyspraxia, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

DYSTINCTZahra Nawaz

Editor's Note

Even though you may never fit in, you can stand out.

Within a system that often favours conformity, it's crucial to acknowledge that our strength and brilliance reside within our differences. Our children experience the daily challenge of feeling different, and as parents, we strive to assist them in fitting into the rigid structures imposed by the system. Reuben Bainbridge's perspective resonates deeply: "When you have learning difficulties, you don't fit in. As much as you try, you don't fit in because there's something that's different about you. This difference is a good thing, not bad. It should be embraced."

Understanding that these differences are not shortcomings but unique attributes that can lead to success can shift our mindset. Instead of focusing on fitting in, we can redirect our energy towards helping our children stand out.

To the student who feels like a "freak" in their class, remember that you are in excellent company. The pages of history are filled with the stories of those who stood out, not because they fit in, but because they embraced their differences and used them to leave an indelible mark.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and all the specialist content covered.

Please get in touch with me if you have any feedback, ideas, or stories to share to change the narrative surrounding learning disabilities.

Thanks

Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq

Extracts from the Magazine

Featured Illustrations