Issue 30: April 2026 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 30th issue: April 2026 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
Hello to the Dystinct Magazine Community!
We spend years trying to ‘fix’ the person to fit the environment, rather than helping them find where they already fit.
It’s a hard truth, but one that so many families will recognise. I pulled this quote out of Adam Kleckner’s article, which explores how neurodivergent traits often seen as “problems” in school can become real strengths in the workplace when placed in the right environment. As a mother to children who’ll soon need to make decisions about their careers, every part of the article spoke to me.
Too often, the focus has been on changing the child, smoothing the edges, closing the gaps, and helping them cope in spaces that were never designed for them in the first place.
What this piece reminds us is that the problem isn’t always the individual. Sometimes, it’s the environment, the expectations, and the narrow way we define success. When we shift that lens, even slightly, we start to see strengths where we once saw struggles. And that’s where real change begins.
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 difficulties.
Zahra
Editor
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 Mia Borthwick.
Mia Borthwick shares her journey growing up with dyscalculia, highlighting the challenges, misunderstandings, and stigma she faced, and how discovering her strengths in the performing arts helped her build confidence, find her voice, and transform her experiences into creative advocacy.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The April 2026 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
Why It’s Not Just About Legibility: The Hidden Costs of Handwriting Difficulties in Secondary School | Kelli Fetter
Kelli Fetter explains how handwriting difficulties in secondary school are not just about legibility but create a hidden cognitive bottleneck that impacts learning, highlighting the need for a balanced approach combining skill-building and targeted accommodations to support student success.
Wired Differently: The Dyslexic Scientist. Reflections on Support, Learning, and Leadership | Dr Douglas B. Sims
Dr Douglas B. Sims shares his story of growing up with dyslexia and how he went on to achieve success, proving that thinking differently can become your greatest strength.
Behavioral and Interpersonal Techniques for Improving Children’s and Teens’ Behavior and Well-Being | Steve Hoersting
Steve Hoersting outlines how combining behavioural and interpersonal strategies supports children’s and teens’ development, emphasising the role of positive reinforcement, executive function support, and strong relationships in improving behaviour and emotional well-being.
The Dystinct Journey of Aden Hynes
Aden Hynes shares that being written off at school did not define his future; instead, it pushed him to find his strengths in creativity, leading him to build a successful sculpture business.
The Bridge Across the Cliff: Turning Neurodivergent "Symptoms" into Career Superpowers | Adam Kleckner
Adam Kleckner, a workforce strategist, explores how neurodivergent traits often labelled as deficits in school can become powerful career advantages when reframed through a strength-based “talent scout” mindset.
I Don’t Have a Maths GCSE | Mia Borthwick
Mia Borthwick shares her journey growing up with dyscalculia, highlighting the challenges, misunderstandings, and stigma she faced, and how discovering her strengths in the performing arts helped her build confidence, find her voice, and transform her experiences into creative advocacy.
Evidence-Based Screening is the Future for Effective Early Intervention | Georgie Cooney
Georgie Cooney examines the UK’s new SEND White Paper, reflecting on her experience as a SENCO to highlight how early, evidence-based screening and practical support systems could transform identification, intervention, and outcomes for children with additional needs.
My Past Empowered my Future | Alexie Better
Alexie Better shares how her experience with undiagnosed dyslexia shaped her journey from struggling learner to founder of Better Multisensory Learning, a centre providing tailored, multisensory support that helps neurodiverse students build confidence, resilience, and academic success.
The Dystinct Journey of Dan Savage
Dan Savage shares how growing up with dyslexia and ADHD left him feeling overlooked and limited, but through sport, support, and self-belief, he is now retraining as an Occupational Therapist, determined to use his journey to help others see their potential.
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
