Issue 31: July 2026 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 31st issue: July 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!
Advocacy is not about being difficult!
That line from Sue Miller's article immediately caught my attention because it perfectly captures a theme that runs throughout this issue.
Whether it was Sue Miller reflecting on her own family's journey, Renee Clarke becoming "the squeaky wheel" at her son's school, or Dr Helen Ross celebrating the incredible mums she met during her Churchill Fellowship, they all pointed to the same truth: advocacy is born out of love.
But why has this fight become the expectation? Parents shouldn't have to fight for their child to receive the education they deserve. They shouldn't have to become experts in literacy, learn the ins and outs of the education system, or spend countless hours researching, questioning and pushing just to make sure their child gets the support they need.
My hope is that one day this won't be the norm. Until then, these stories remind us that asking questions, seeking answers and speaking up aren't about being difficult. They're about making sure every child has the opportunity to thrive, and paving the way for the families who come after us.
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 Kingston Clarke.
Kingston Clarke once believed he wasn't smart. He and his mum, Renee, share how the right support helped him rediscover his confidence and believe in himself.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The July 2026 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
Grade Retention and Reading Difficulties
~
David P. Hurford & Alex C. Fender
Dr David P. Hurford (Reading Researcher, Executive Director of the Center for READing, & Founder of CARRD and Dyslexia Help) and Alex C. Fender (School Psychologist, Literacy Researcher, & Director of Evaluation at the Center for READing) examine the evidence behind grade retention, explaining why it often does more harm than good. They argue that early identification, Structured Literacy and timely intervention offer a far more effective path to reading success.
My Journey with Dyslexia: How lived experience shaped my work as an Occupational Therapist
~
Stephanie
Stephanie (Occupational Therapist, Dyslexia Advocate, & Founder of DyslexicOT) shares her journey with dyslexia, and how it shaped the therapist she is today.
Dyslexic Burnout: An Occupational Therapist Perspective
~
Stephanie
Stephanie (Occupational Therapist, Dyslexia Advocate, & Founder of DyslexicOT) explores dyslexic burnout through an occupational therapy lens, explaining why it occurs, how it affects everyday life and practical ways to reduce its impact.
Bringing Learning to Life Through Research-Informed Stories
~
Dr Dominic Petronzi & Rebecca Petronzi
Dr Dominic Petronzi (Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby, Researcher, & Author) and Rebecca Petronzi (Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Derby, Teacher Educator, & Author) introduce the Learning through Evidence-informed Narrative Storybooks (LENS) approach, demonstrating how research can be transformed into engaging, accessible storybooks that help children explore complex topics through narrative, discussion, and practical activities.
The Dystinct Journey of Craig Startin
Craig Startin (Tattoo Artist & Founder of Big Wills Tattoos) reflects on growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the challenges that shaped him and how finding his creative outlet led to a successful career as a tattoo artist.
School and Beyond: Tales from a Churchill Fellowship
~
Dr Helen Ross
Drawing on insights from her Churchill Fellowship, Dr Helen Ross (Independent Education Consultant, Researcher & Specialist Assessor) reflects on what schools, universities, workplaces and families can teach us about creating lasting change for neurodivergent young women.
Spotlight on DyslexAbility
Discover DyslexAbility, a specialist literacy centre helping children and adults with dyslexia and other learning differences build confidence, develop essential skills, and thrive through evidence-based support.
More Than a Centre: The Heart Behind DyslexAbility
~
Sue Miller
Discover the inspiring journey behind DyslexAbility as founder Sue Miller shares how personal experience, professional expertise, and a passion for helping children shaped one of Australia's leading literacy centres.
The Dystinct Journey of Aria
Once overwhelmed by learning and anxiety, Aria is now embracing challenges, building confidence, and discovering that learning differently doesn't limit what she can achieve.
The Dystinct Journey of Chloe
From the dance studio to the classroom, Chloe has learned that success isn't about learning the same way as everyone else. It's about believing you can get there.
The Dystinct Journey of Jack
Jack has never run out of questions about the world. He and his mum reflect on the journey that gave him the literacy skills to start finding the answers for himself.
The Dystinct Journey of Kingston Clarke
Kingston Clarke once believed he wasn't smart. He and his mum, Renee, share how the right support helped him rediscover his confidence and believe in himself.
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
