Issue 29: January 2026 Dystinct Magazine

Dr Olwyn Johnston introduces Dual Factor Reading, an evidence-informed, classroom-based framework grounded in the Science of Reading that strengthens decoding and language comprehension simultaneously through explicit word-level instruction and technology-supported teacher read-alouds, accelerating literacy growth and closing reading gaps for older struggling readers.

Ava and Flynn Eldridge speak with neurodivergent speech pathologist and Yass Valley Speech Pathology founder Nicole Lobsey about dysgraphia, masking, schooling, and neuroaffirming practice, highlighting how lived experience and advocacy can reshape support for neurodivergent children, families, and practitioners.

Dr Brock Eide reflects on what inspired him and Dr Fernette Eide to create the documentary movie The Dyslexic Advantage, in which they share decades of clinical insight and lived stories to challenge deficit-based views of dyslexia and reframe it as a specialised way of thinking marked by powerful strengths in spatial, interconnected, narrative, and dynamic reasoning.

Simon da Roza shares how growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia in a punitive school system left lasting shame, and how understanding neuroscience and lived empathy led him to become the educator he once needed, determined to protect children from being labelled broken for their differences.

Flynn and Ava Eldridge speak with educator, coach, and counsellor Simon da Roza about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, his journey from punitive schooling to neurodiversity-affirming practice, and how curiosity, connection, and understanding neurology can transform learning experiences for neurodivergent children, families, and teachers.

Julia Davies-Duff draws on nearly three decades as an educator, researcher, specialist, and parent to reveal why capable, compliant students with hidden language and cognitive difficulties are systematically overlooked in secondary schools, and offers parents clear insights into the coping behaviours, structural school mechanisms, and advocacy strategies needed to make these students visible before crisis hits

Flynn and Ava Eldridge speak with University of Canberra lecturer and researcher Julia Davies-Duff about teacher education, exploring how a better understanding of learning differences, early identification, and appropriate accommodations can create more equitable outcomes for students across schools and universities.

Chanelle Moriah reflects on becoming an unexpected best-selling author despite lifelong struggles with reading and learning, sharing how their lived experience of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia shaped a series of affirming, community-informed books that challenge deficit-based narratives.

Carrie Eldridge examines how power dynamics in classrooms affect neurodivergent learners, offering practical ways educators can use power intentionally to reduce harm and create safer, more empowering learning environments.

Ava and Flynn Eldridge share how nurse and neurodiversity advocate Chloe Jackson turned her lived experience of dyslexia, ADHD, and autism into the Neurodiversity Tartan, using colour and culture to celebrate difference and foster pride and belonging.

This article revisits past Dystinct contributors Dr Dan Peters, Heather Down, Dan Colquhoun, and Sharon Scurr to share what has unfolded since their last contributions, highlighting how their ongoing work in leadership, literacy, creativity, and advocacy continues to shape progress for neurodivergent learners and educational systems.