Episode description
In the ninth of The Invisible Gift, Andrew sits down with Professor Rod Nicolson. Professor Nicolson has been one of the leading academics researching the subject of dyslexia for four decades. Together, Rod and Andrew traced the causes of dyslexia, what exactly is going on in the brain of a dyslexic, how the understanding of dyslexia has morphed and transformed in schools and workplaces, analysed the meaning of ‘positive dyslexia’, and what needs to be done to better aid dyslexics in schools, universities and beyond.

Top quotes
“We have been looking at what goes wrong for dyslexic people. We should be looking at what goes right.” - Professor Rod Nicolson
“We came up with a very simple theory behind dyslexia. Dyslexic children take longer to get their skills automatic.” - Professor Rod Nicolson
“The distinctive skills of dyslexic people are the ones employers are actually trying to train in their talent management classes.” - Professor Rod Nicolson
“If you fail at those early tasks in school, like for example reading, it becomes aversive. It becomes like seeing a spider when you see that book.” - Professor Rod Nicolson
“My advice to dyslexic people? The world is open to them.” - Professor Rod Nicolson

About the guest
Professor Roderick Nicolson is Professor of Psychology at Edge Hill University, in Lancashire UK. His area of specialism is in human learning and he has authored a number of books on the subject of dyslexia alone. Professor Nicolson’s research into dyslexia began in 1987, and his 2012 book, Positive Dyslexia, aims to redefine popular notions about dyslexia - shifting the focus from the supposed challenges, and onto the strengths.

Resources
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/
http://positivedyslexia.org/index.html
https://www.kitall.co.uk/
https://www.onefineplay.com/

About the host
The Invisible Gift is hosted by entrepreneur and dyslexic, Andrew Kitley. With twenty years experience, Andrew Kitley has worked his way up the metaphorical and literal ladder to become Managing Director of Kitall: an engineering and scaffolding firm. Under Andrew's guidance, Kitall is now one of the most sought after names to complete complex engineering projects in the UK. In each episode of The Invisible Gift, Andrew seeks the advice & inspiration of a fellow trailblazer who has defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary - turning the challenge of dyslexia into a gift.