Going places with dyslexia

by Ian Dinwiddie, a member of Dyslexia Scotland

A childhood identification of dyslexia influenced Ian’s life and learning journey

I was identified with dyslexia when I was nine, at school in North East England in the 1990’s. I struggled with things such as writing, facts, and expressing myself. After suggestions I may be dyslexic, my mum took me for a test where it was confirmed. I was given extra English classes, was allowed to drop French and Classical Civilisation (woop!) and given extra time in exams. I still really struggled but felt this support helped me to get my GCSEs and A level qualifications.

I completed a Management and Computing degree at the University of Leeds, a great city for qualifications and student life style! On arrival I was surprised to get a letter saying “you have a disability”, which invited me to get assessed again, but I thought was a bit of blunt way to put it.

I got support including a laptop for spell checking, a dictaphone for recording lectures (never really used), and extra time in exams. These were great but that was it for support. Each of the three years I failed a compulsory exam.

My summers were spent taking resits, while making a bit of money and having fun. Friends really helped get through tough study times (even though it was painful watching how apparently easy they found some of it!). I graduated with a 2.2, and I was disappointed it wasn’t a 2.1, but it got me to where I needed to go.

Due to having a resit in my final year, my start on a Graduate Scheme was delayed a year. This gave an opportunity to spend the year in Barcelona attempting to learn Spanish, proving to myself I could support myself, and having a great time. When the graduate scheme started I had 3×8 month placements in Bristol, Lytham and London, before moving back to Bristol for a couple of years. The work experience allowed me to see how businesses work and to challenge myself if I could cut it as a ‘professional’. Challenges like writing test cases and business requirements made me feel like I couldn’t, but I seemed to get reasonable reviews and offered roles in new places.

A massive milestone for me was getting headhunted to join a consultancy firm and move back to London.. But when creating concise presentations and being able to remember facts and names is not a strength, there were many late nights trying to make sure I was keeping up. I was, however, presented opportunities in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and three years in New Zealand and Australia. The 10 years with the firm was hard work, but very rewarding in both the personal and professional experience.

After moving back from New Zealand to London, and then up to Edinburgh after we had our daughter in 2021, it was time to find a local role and put down roots. I joined a Scottish energy firm in 2023 and love being part of a driving force in the global challenge that is Net Zero.

Joining Dyslexia Scotland in early 2023 gives the opportunity to continue my journey, exploring challenges and gifts neurodiversity brings.