Issue 28: October 2025 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 28th issue: October 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
Don’t use ‘dyslexia’ as, ‘I’m sad. I can’t do anything. I’m dyslexic.’
Use it as, ‘I’m really good, I can do everything. I’m dyslexic. Yay!
This piece of advice comes from Bartek Pilarski, our newest Dystinct Journalist, who is featured on the cover of this issue. Such a simple statement carrying such profound wisdom for someone who has just turned nine.
Sometimes it takes a child to remind us what pride in who you are really looks like. His joy, his confidence, and his sense of self are what we want every child to feel when they talk about how they learn.
For his first assignment, Bartek interviewed Faye Theriault, the founder of Canada’s Science of Reading: What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook group. My dear friend Faye is a fierce dyslexia advocate who has raised funds through the sale of her beautiful School of Fish artwork to help train more than 100 teachers from New Brunswick, Canada, through the Reading & Learning Clinic run by Dr Valdine Björnson.
Also featured in this issue is one of my favourite dyslexia advocates, Missy Purcell. I am so thrilled that Missy has contributed to this issue, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
And as always, please write to me if you have any suggestions or feedback
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.
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👉 Google Play Store - Android devices
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On The Cover
On The Cover
On the cover is Bartek Pilarski.
Fresh from winning third place in the Stampede Junior Reporter Contest, nine-year-old Bartek Pilarski reflects with wisdom beyond his years on dyslexia and self-belief, while his mum, Christina Pilarski, offers an honest look at the parenting journey behind his confidence.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The October 2025 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
What Counts as Evidence-Based? A Practical Guide for Parents Navigating Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interventions | Missy Purcell
Missy Purcell explains what “evidence-based” should mean in schools, clarifies the differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction, and offers parents clear questions to ask when advocating for their child.
Turning My Struggles into Strength: My Journey with Dyslexia and Building UK Country Hats | Emma Chapman
Emma Chapman shares how she turned her fears into fuel, transforming her dyslexia and self-doubt into the driving force behind UK Country Hats and the UK’s first live Hat Bar.
The Interaction of Racism and Anxiety in Children | Dr Samantah Sweeney
Dr Samantha Sweeney explores how racism and racial discrimination interact with childhood anxiety, showing how experiences of exclusion, microaggressions, and systemic bias can intensify anxiety symptoms, while offering families practical strategies to support children as victims, bystanders, or perpetrators in creating safer, more inclusive environments.
Spotlight on Dyslexia Diaries | Katie Rebagliati and Suzanne Diermann
This feature spotlights Dyslexia Diaries, co-created by literacy specialist Suzanne Diermann and media creative Katie Rebagliati, to elevate authentic dyslexic voices, counter myths, and grow understanding through community stories.
Validating the Feelings of a Child | Steve Hoersting
Dr Steve Hoersting highlights the importance of validating a child's feelings, its significant psychological benefits, and offers practical strategies to build emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships.
From Laughter to Applause: How I Found My Voice | Golden Navarro
Golden Navarro shares her journey from a childhood marked by dyslexia, trauma, and self-doubt to becoming a confident storyteller and business owner who transforms her struggles into strengths and uses her voice to inspire others to embrace their differences.
The many faces of ADHD | Simon da Roza
Simon da Roza reframes ADHD as a biopsychosocial difference existing at the intersection of neurology, cognition, and environment, challenging stereotypes and urging systemic change in schools, families, and workplaces so that strengths like curiosity, creativity, and rapid learning can thrive.
Dystinct Report – Bartek Pilarski’s Interview with Faye Theriault
Young journalist Bartek Pilarski has a chat with dyslexia advocate Faye Theriault about her life, work and her School of Fish.
The Dystinct Journey of Bartek Pilarski
Fresh from winning third place in the Stampede Junior Reporter Contest, nine-year-old Bartek Pilarski reflects with wisdom beyond his years on dyslexia and self-belief, while his mum, Christina Pilarski, offers an honest look at the parenting journey behind his confidence.
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
