Issue 26: April 2025 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 26th issue: April 2025 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
Survival isn’t success - our kids deserve more than just getting by!
This issue, a powerful quote from Amy Oswolt, the founder of Conduit Academy really stayed with me: “Free yourself from mourning what might have been, trying to force your child ‘back’ to some arbitrary standard, or feeling grateful when your child merely survives a system that wasn’t designed for them. Survival isn’t success.”
It’s a truth many parents of neurodivergent children come to realise, often after years of frustration, tears, and trying to make their child “fit” into a mould that was never built with them in mind. We’re conditioned to measure progress by grades, timelines, and comparison charts, forgetting that these markers often have little to do with real growth.
But survival isn’t the goal. Our kids deserve more than just getting by. They deserve to thrive in environments that recognise their strengths, meet their needs, and honour their unique ways of learning and being.
The stories in this issue reflect what happens when families stop chasing someone else’s definition of success and start building something better—something that actually works for their child.
Let this be your reminder: Your child’s path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be worthy, joyful, or meaningful.
If you have feedback, ideas, or stories to share, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch with me at Zahra@Dystinct.org
Thanks
Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq
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.
👉 Apple App Store - iOS iPad/iPhone
👉 Google Play Store - Android devices
👉 Libby Apple iOS | Google Android
👉 Zinio Newstand | MagsFast Newstand | Magzter Newstand
On The Cover
On The Cover
On the cover is Tucker Findley.
Tucker Findley, a teen entrepreneur with complex learning differences, his family, and his educator share their intertwined perspectives on transforming overwhelming academic challenges into a thriving business and a life built on confidence, purpose, and redefining what learning can look like.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The April 2025 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
Oral Language: Speaking and Listening in The Secondary Classroom | Jeanne Schopf | Pathways Towards Literacy
Jeanne Schopf shares insights adapted from her upcoming book, The Science of Secondary Literacy: Research to Practice from the Voices of the Field (scheduled for release in Spring 2026), emphasising the powerful role of structured, student-led discussions in strengthening literacy development for secondary students.
DNA In Action: Empowering the Next Generation of Dyslexic Achiever | Taylor Shay | Dyslexics Next Achievement
From pageants to advocacy, Taylor Shay’s journey with D.N.A. (Dyslexics Next Achievement) shows how her own struggles with dyslexia sparked a passion to help others, proving that with support and understanding, dyslexic students can shine in their own way.
Debunking Three-Cueing: What I Got Wrong About Teaching Reading | Anna Geiger | The Measured Mom
Anna Geiger, the founder of The Measured Mom, reflects on how she once relied on the widely accepted but flawed three-cueing model to teach reading until she discovered it was not grounded in research. She shares the evidence that debunks three-cueing and offers practical guidance on what to do instead to help children become successful readers.
Strength Beyond My Struggles | Darcy Byrne
Darcy Byrne, 15, from Canberra, Australia, opens up about her experience with dyslexia through a powerful poem and honest reflection.
Issue 26: Do You Know What It Takes to Create a Literate Brain? | Lori Josephson | Calling All Neurons!
Lori Josephson introduces her new book, Calling All Neurons!, which fills a critical gap by making the Science of Reading accessible to older students and adults through colourful neuron characters, engaging visuals, and practical insights that show creating a literate brain is a team effort—and every child can succeed with the right support.
Empowered by Dyslexia Struggles - My Passion to Help Others Thrive | Hannah Milton | Dyslexia LaunchPad
Hannah Milton, educator and dyslexia specialist, shares her journey from struggling student to passionate advocate, now supporting parents through Dyslexia Launchpad and her online community to help dyslexic children thrive.
Mummy, What’s Dyslexia? How to Talk to Your Child About Their Diagnosis Without Breaking Their Confidence | Hannah Milton | Dyslexia LaunchPad
Hannah Milton, experienced teacher and dyslexia advocate, gently guides parents through talking to their child about a new dyslexia diagnosis, showing how honest, supportive conversations can build understanding and self-confidence from the very start.
Universal Screening: A Temperature Check and Essential First Step in a Systematic Approach to Literacy Assessment | Dr Shelby Pollitt
Dr Shelby Pollitt outlines how universal screening serves as a crucial first step in identifying students at risk for literacy difficulties, enabling early intervention and more equitable access to support, while stressing the importance of ongoing assessment to guide effective instruction.
The Dystinct Journey of Tucker Findley | Tucker's Treasures
Tucker Findley, a teen entrepreneur with complex learning differences, his family, and his educator share their intertwined perspectives on transforming overwhelming academic challenges into a thriving business and a life built on confidence, purpose, and redefining what learning can look like.
Dyslexic Thinkers: Testament of Time - The Reasons Dyslexics (and some Neurodivergent) Need Additional Time | Georgie Cooney | Dyslexia Spell
Georgie Cooney, dyslexia specialist, explains why additional time is essential for dyslexic and neurodivergent learners, whose processing differences require more time to read, write, and spell, emphasising that with this support, they can thrive, reach their potential, and avoid the long-term consequences of being misunderstood in a fast-paced world
Choosing a school for students with learning differences | Libby Taylor | School Up
Libby Taylor guides parents through the school selection process, emphasising that the best choice for students, especially those with learning differences, is one that fits their unique needs, learning style, and family values.
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
