In this episode, we explore the emotional ups and downs that often come with dyslexia in adulthood. Those days when everything clicks — clarity, confidence, momentum — can feel incredible. But just as quickly, dyslexic adults can experience sudden drops into overwhelm, withdrawal, and disconnection, often without knowing why.

I share personal experiences of these emotional swings, including common coping mechanisms like hiding, disconnecting, comfort eating, or retreating from the world. We talk about how the dyslexic brain is deeply driven by purpose, and how losing that sense of “why” can trigger those down days.

This episode also touches on the idea that these highs and lows are not personal flaws — they’re a dyslexic trait. I also share an early experiment with 5-HTP, a supplement linked to serotonin and calming the fight-or-flight response, and how it may be helping smooth out emotional extremes.

Most importantly, this episode is about reassurance, awareness, and acceptance — understanding that you’re not broken, you’re wired differently.

Takeaways

• Emotional highs and lows are a common dyslexic trait, not a personal failing

• Dyslexic minds often experience bigger ups and bigger downs than others

• Sudden disconnection, hiding, or withdrawal can be a response to losing purpose

• The dyslexic brain constantly looks for meaning and “why” behind actions

• Down days can feel scary because they often come without a clear reason

• Fight-or-flight and adrenal fatigue are common challenges for dyslexic adults

• Small “calming hacks” can help reduce emotional extremes over time

• Acceptance and awareness are powerful first steps in managing dyslexic emotions

Dyslexia ups and downs, Adult dyslexia emotions, Dyslexic emotional highs and lows, Dyslexia and anxiety, Dyslexic burnout, Dyslexic brain and purpose, Fight or flight dyslexia, Emotional regulation dyslexia, Living with dyslexia, Truth About Dyslexia podcast, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this short and practical episode, we introduce a brand-new Adult Dyslexia Quiz created to help adults reflect on their life experiences and explore whether dyslexia may be part of their story.

Many dyslexia tests focus on childhood traits, often missing the real-world challenges adults face. This simple, mobile-friendly quiz is designed to highlight adult characteristics of dyslexia and encourage clarity, confidence, and self-understanding.

This is an early version and a true community project. We invite you to take the quiz, share it with others, and give honest feedback to help improve it. Whether you’re an adult with dyslexia or a partner of someone who is, this tool is built to spark insight and conversation.

Takeaways

• The Adult Dyslexia Quiz focuses on adult traits, not just childhood symptoms

• It’s simple, quick, and works easily on mobile devices

• The quiz encourages reflection on everyday life experiences

• It’s a work in progress, and community feedback is encouraged

• Designed to help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create clarity

• Listeners are invited to join the Facebook community and be part of the project

Adult Dyslexia Quiz, Signs of Dyslexia in Adults, Adult Dyslexia Test, Dyslexia Self-Assessment, Dyslexia Awareness, Adult Learning Differences, Dyslexia Support Community, Truth About Dyslexia, Adult Neurodiversity, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this episode, Stephen revisits one of the most popular conversations from The Truth About Dyslexia podcast archive as part of a special six-part replay series. While Stephen takes a well-earned summer break in New Zealand, he’s sharing some of the most listened-to and loved episodes from over the years.

This episode explores mimicking (also known as mirroring) — a behaviour many dyslexic adults unconsciously use to feel safe, accepted, and to “fit in,” especially in work, social, and relationship settings.

Takeaways

• Why mimicking can become a survival strategy for dyslexic adults

• How uncertainty and anxiety can drive people-pleasing behaviours

• The benefits of mimicking (learning new things, building rapport)

• The hidden cost: losing touch with your real identity

• How mirroring can create a disconnect between who you are and who you present to the world Asking the powerful question: “Is this actually me — or is this just keeping me safe?”

Dyslexia and mimicking, mirroring behaviour dyslexia, dyslexic masking, dyslexia coping, strategies, neurodivergent masking, people pleasing dyslexia, dyslexia and identity, dyslexic adults anxiety, fitting in as a dyslexic, dyslexia self awareness, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this conversation, Stephen Martin explores the concept of visual learning, particularly in the context of dyslexia. He discusses how dyslexics often excel in visual and kinesthetic learning, and shares personal techniques for harnessing these strengths to improve memory retention and understanding. Through vivid imagery and creative visualization, he illustrates how to remember complex words and concepts, emphasizing the importance of appreciation without judgment in learning. The conversation highlights practical strategies for effective learning and personal development.

Takeaways

• Visual learning is a significant advantage for dyslexics.

• Dyslexics often learn best through kinesthetic experiences.

• Imagining experiences can enhance memory retention.

• Breaking down complex words into visual components aids memory.

• Using personal imagery can help in remembering concepts.

• Listening to audiobooks can be more effective with focused retention strategies.

• Appreciation without judgment can enhance learning experiences.

• Visual learning techniques can be applied to various concepts, not just words.

• Slowing down the learning process can lead to better understanding.

• Creating personal connections with concepts makes them stick better.

Dyslexia, visual learning, kinesthetic learning, memory techniques, auditory learning, appreciation without judgment, practical Buddhism, learning strategies, cognitive techniques, personal development, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this podcast, Stephen Martin discusses the distinction between requests and demands, particularly in the context of relationships and personal growth. He reflects on his experiences with dyslexia and how it affects his understanding of these concepts. Through insights gained from 'The Five Love Languages', he emphasizes the importance of making requests rather than demands to foster healthier communication and connection with others.

Takeaways

• Requests are more effective than demands in relationships.

• Demanding love can lead to resentment and pain.

• Understanding the difference between requests and demands is crucial.

• Dyslexia can complicate the understanding of abstract concepts.

• Making requests fosters a desire to help and connect.

• Demanding behavior can create anxiety and disorientation.

• Using clay to visualize concepts can aid understanding.

• Personal growth involves recognizing and changing communication patterns.

• Daily practice of making requests can improve relationships.

• Reflecting on communication styles can lead to deeper insights.

Dyslexia, requests, demands, relationships, communication, love languages, personal growth, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this episode, Stephen Martin shares his personal journey with dyslexia, detailing his experiences from childhood through adulthood. He discusses the challenges he faced in school, the impact of his diagnosis, and how he learned to manage his dyslexia. Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding dyslexia beyond just reading and writing, highlighting the unique ways dyslexics process information and the creative solutions they often find. He aims to provide insights and support for adults navigating life with dyslexia.

Takeaways

• Stephen's early struggles with dyslexia shaped his educational experience.

• Dyslexia is often misunderstood as solely a reading and writing disorder.

• Receiving a diagnosis helped Stephen understand his challenges better.

• Support from family, especially his mother, was crucial in his journey.

• Dyslexics can be highly intelligent and creative problem solvers.

• The educational system often lacks adequate support for dyslexic students.

• Understanding dyslexia is essential for personal growth and self-acceptance.

• Dyslexia affects identity and self-perception in adults.

• There are effective tools and techniques available for managing dyslexia.

• Stephen aims to help others by sharing his experiences and insights.

Dyslexia, education, personal journey, adult dyslexia, learning challenges, creative solutions, self-discovery, mental health, identity, support, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this episode, Stephen Martin reflects on the new year and shares insights on goal setting, particularly for neurodivergent thinkers. He discusses the evolution of his approach to setting goals, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, gratitude, and aligning one's purpose with their goals. Stephen also highlights the significance of creating a productive routine to achieve these goals, sharing personal experiences and practical tips.

Takeaways

• You're not alone if you feel like you fail.

• I used to write these giant laundry lists of things.

• Gratitude is a huge piece of my goal setting.

• Imagine how you are going to be grateful for something.

• You have to build this physical emotional connection.

• I could see it, I could feel it.

• I wanted to be sober for 12 months.

• I finally came to the wording of my purpose.

• I feel amazing to me.

• Object permanence, emotional permanence is so real for us.

Goal setting, neurodivergent thinkers, emotional connection, purpose alignment, productivity, new year, personal development, gratitude, meditation, routine, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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In this conversation, Stephen Martin explores the concept of gratitude, particularly from the perspective of neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes that gratitude is not merely about positivity but serves as an emotional fuel that can motivate and inspire action. Martin shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for cultivating a gratitude practice, highlighting its importance in fostering resilience and personal growth. He encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and create a gratitude list to carry forward into the new year, framing gratitude as a powerful tool for mental well-being and self-improvement.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is not just about being positive; it's about emotional fuel.

• Neurodivergent thinkers often find motivation through emotional connections.

• Gratitude can create an emotional spark that leads to action.

• It's important to acknowledge both the good and the hard experiences.

• Creating a gratitude list can help recognize personal growth over time.

• Journaling gratitude monthly can prevent forgetting significant moments.

• Gratitude helps carry forward positive experiences into the new year.

• A gratitude practice can clear shame and spark momentum.

• Gratitude is a reset tool for neurodiverse minds.

• Reflecting on gratitude can enhance resilience and motivation.

Gratitude, neurodivergent, emotional fuel, motivation, resilience, journaling, self-reflection, personal growth, mental health, positivity, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.

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