Issue 24: November 2024 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 24th issue: November 2024 covers inspirational stories from children and adults with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia) and evidence based articles from leading specialists from the field of learning disabilities.
Table of Contents
How To Access Dystinct Magazine
How To Access Dystinct Magazine
👉 Read further below to access all the content of the magazine on the website layout. Check links to each article in Topics covered.
The magazine can be accessed on your mobile and tablet devices.
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On The Cover
On The Cover
On the cover is Preston Rice.
Preston Rice’s journey, fuelled by a deep curiosity for the ocean and his parents’ dedicated advocacy, led him from early learning challenges to a Master Scuba Diver certification and a place at Nova Southeastern University to pursue his passion for marine biology.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The November 2024 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
Harriett Janetos (Reading Specialist, Reading Coach & Author)
Harriett Janetos, a reading specialist, critiques the newly released The Balancing Act: An Evidence-Based Approach to Teaching Phonics, Reading and Writing by Dominic Wyse and Charlotte Hacking for advocating a return to balanced literacy practices, arguing that research overwhelmingly supports explicit, systematic phonics as the most effective foundation for developing confident, independent readers
Laura Webb (Educational Therapist)
Laura Webb reflects on her journey from navigating the challenges of undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD in her school years to becoming an Educational Therapist dedicated to helping neurodivergent students.
Landrie Pringle (Thriving in High School)
An interview with Landrie Pringle: Now a high school junior, she has turned past challenges—including failed STAAR exams—into success, excelling academically with a lowest grade of 97, all while balancing a packed schedule of cheering, sports, and clubs.
Preston Rice
Preston Rice’s journey, fuelled by a deep curiosity for the ocean and his parents’ dedicated advocacy, led him from early learning challenges to a Master Scuba Diver certification and a place at Nova Southeastern University to pursue his passion for marine biology.
Heather Rice (Educator, Administrator, Head of Global Academy Enrolment and Marketing Strategy at L3Harris Flight Academy & Photographer)
Drawing from her experience as a mother and educator, Heather Rice offers practical ways to help children with learning difficulties build confidence, empathy, and resilience, encouraging parents to support their kids in taking on challenges, learning from mistakes, and valuing growth over perfection.
MikaĂżla Perrier (Neurodivergent Advocate & Author)
MikaĂżla Perrier shares her journey from early struggles with dyslexia to academic success, using her experiences as a researcher and advocate to write resources for adults with dyslexia, empowering others to view it as a unique way of thinking and learning.
Anne Vize (Education Writer, Specialist Teacher and Author)
Drawing on years of teaching experience, Anne Vize highlights the importance of accessible, age-appropriate texts that help teens with learning differences connect with stories and build essential literacy skills.
Dr Jon Durrant (Trainer, Mentor & Consultant)
Dr Jon Durrant reflects on his journey from a discouraging dyslexia diagnosis and tough school years to a thriving career in IT and building his own business, showing how resilience and creativity helped him defy the odds.
Editor's Note
Editor's Note
Confidence is Built When We Succeed at Something We Never Thought We Could Do.
These words from Heather Rice, an educator and mum of three boys, in her article, Raising Resilient Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Building Confidence, Empathy, and Grit, really capture a simple yet powerful truth about confidence. So often, confidence feels like a distant goal—something we’re always chasing but rarely catching. But what if confidence isn’t something you start with? What if it’s something you build, one small win at a time?
For many of our kids, that first spark of confidence comes in those quiet, unexpected victories. Maybe it’s the first time they read a sentence without stumbling, solve a tricky math problem, or finish a project they never thought they’d get through. It might not seem like much to the outside world, but to them—and to us—it’s everything.
Our role as parents, teachers, and friends is to create space for these moments. We don’t have to set them up to do what everyone else can do. Instead, we can stand beside them as they surprise themselves and build their confidence one step at a time. Because every single time they push through and see that they can do something hard, they carry that knowledge into the next challenge of their lives.
Let’s keep cheering on these moments and remind our kids and ourselves that real confidence is built through action, even when it’s hard.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Please get in touch with me if you have any feedback, ideas, or stories to share to change the narrative surrounding learning disabilities.
Get in touch with me at Zahra@Dystinct.org
Thanks
Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
