Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Shae Wissell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us. Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn." You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!

  1. JAN 28

    Why Educator Belief Matters More Than Diagnosis: Transforming TAFE for Neurodivergent Students

    In this powerful episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Brad Beach, Director of Strategy, Quality and Learning at TAFE Gippsland, to explore dyslexia and neurodivergence in vocational education. Brad shares his personal journey as a dyslexic student—from struggling in remedial reading classes to accidentally getting into Melbourne University and eventually leading educational innovation. His story highlights the transformative power of educator belief, referencing John Hattie's research showing that an educator's belief in a student is the strongest predictor of success. The conversation tackles critical topics including: The challenges and opportunities of the "neurodivergent" label Why universal design alone isn't enough—students need individualized support Educational trauma and its lasting impact on dyslexic individuals TAFE Gippsland's groundbreaking program for students experiencing intersectional disadvantage, achieving 90-100% retention rates The importance of wraparound services and trauma-informed teaching approaches Moving beyond the "superpower" narrative to focus on practical strategies and strengths Brad offers invaluable advice for educators: ask students what they need, provide information in multiple formats, leverage technology, and above all—believe in your students' potential. A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in creating truly inclusive learning environments. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    47 min

  2. 11/29/2025

    82. Speech Pathologist Decodes Dyslexia: Myths, Assessments, and Lifelong Support

    Ever wondered why speech pathologists are unsung heroes in the world of dyslexia? In this eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, we dive deep into the fundamentals of dyslexia, bust myths about assessments, and explore how early intervention can transform lives—plus, practical tips for navigating co-occurring challenges like ADHD and dysgraphia. Joining us is Elise Cassidy, a passionate speech pathologist and founder of Code Read Network, a leading organization dedicated to raising dyslexia awareness in Australia. With over 30 years of experience in literacy and language development, Elise specializes in supporting children and adults with dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and related learning difficulties. She's driven campaigns like the iconic "Light Up Red for Dyslexia" initiative, which has illuminated landmarks across the country to spotlight dyslexia awareness month, and runs Little Voices, a clinic focused on empowering young people with dyslexia through tailored interventions, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary approaches. Elise unpacks the core of dyslexia, explaining how it stems from phonological processing and speech sound system challenges—far beyond just "speech" as many assume. We explore the pivotal role of speech pathologists in early identification, intervention, and assessments, including why they're essential for children and adults alike. The conversation tackles the barriers to diagnosis in Australia, such as high costs and limited access, and advocates for accessible screening tools like those from Read3. Elise shares insights on co-occurring conditions like ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, offering strategies for executive functioning support, assistive technology (from text-to-speech to AI tools), and building "super glue" memory through repetition. For more on Elise's work, visit Little Voices: https://www.littlevoices.net.au/ A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

    51 min

  3. 10/30/2025

    I Got Diagnosed With ADHD at 40+| What I Wish I'd Known Sooner

    For years, I thought I was just busy. Running a podcast, a charity, doing my doctorate, working full-time, raising a child - that's just life, right? But when I was diagnosed with combined ADHD (moderate to severe) in my 40s, everything finally made sense. In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping away from our usual dyslexia focus to share my own ADHD diagnosis journey - the signs I missed for decades, the internal chaos I thought was normal, and why getting help changed everything. What I cover: - Why I never thought I could have ADHD (despite working with it for years) - The signs I dismissed: constant internal dialogue, unfinished tasks, extreme fatigue, childhood anxiety - How medication helped me in ways I never expected - Why the "everyone's a bit ADHD" narrative is harmful - Addressing the over-diagnosis myth - and why women in their 40s+ are finally getting diagnosed - Why men are likely underdiagnosed (and what we can do about it) - The link between ADHD and dyslexia (they highly correlate) Key takeaway: If these traits are impacting your quality of life consistently - not just occasionally - that's when it might be ADHD. Everyone forgets things sometimes, but if it's life-altering where you can't function, that's different. Resources mentioned: ADHD Australia: https://adhdaustralia.org.au/ (trusted partner with excellent resources and conference content) Contact Rethink Dyslexia for support with ADHD diagnosis: rethinkdyslexia.com.au Shae's book: Dyslexia: Insights into the hidden disability in and out of the workplace https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/dyslexia-insights-into-the-hidden-disability-in-and-out-of-the-workplace/ About Dr. Shae: Shae is a Doctor of Public Health, Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, founder of Rethink Dyslexia, and host of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. She was diagnosed with combined ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive, moderate to severe) in her 40s. Timestamps: 00:00 "I never thought I could have ADHD" 01:09 Why I'm sharing this now 03:25 When the narrative around ADHD became harmful 04:12 My journey: from focus on dyslexia to recognizing ADHD 06:00 The signs I dismissed for years 08:00 The "unfinished tasks" pattern 10:00 Childhood anxiety and sleep struggles 11:00 Getting assessed: the diagnosis process 11:10 How medication changed everything 13:00 "Everyone's a bit ADHD" - why this narrative is wrong 14:00 What medication actually did for me 17:17 The over-diagnosis myth (and the UK data) 19:00 Why women seek help more than men 21:03 Encouraging everyone to seek support 23:04 What diagnosis gave me: understanding, language, calm If you're struggling with constant mental fatigue, internal chaos, or feeling like life is harder for you than everyone else - you're not alone. Reach out. Get assessed. There is support.

    13 min

  4. TRAILER

    Dear Dyslexic Podcast | A New Chapter: Now With VIDEO

    Welcome to a new chapter of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. In this special launch video, Dr Shae Wissell shares how the show is evolving to bring stories of dyslexia, ADHD, and neurodiversity to life through video as well as audio. The podcast has always been about real lived experience, honest conversations, and reshaping the way society understands and supports neurodivergent adults. Now you can watch as well as listen — connecting even more deeply with the people and stories that matter. Subscribe today and join us on this journey, one story at a time.

    1 min

  5. 08/27/2025

    Ep 79: Neurodivergence & Substance Use: Breaking the Stigma with Erin Lalor AM

    Dr. Erin Lalor AM joins us in this episode to explore the complexities of neurodivergence and substance use, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of these experiences. Drawing on her extensive background in clinical psychology and research, Dr. Lalor delves into personal insights, societal stigma, and evidence-based approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals living with substance use challenges.

    38 min

  6. 07/29/2025

    Ep 78: Understanding ADHD: Insights from a Dad's Perspective

    Have you ever felt the weight of navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand the unique challenges of neurodivergence? In this heartfelt episode, Shae sits down with Derek McCormack from the Raising Children Network. Derek shares what it’s been like parenting neurodivergent children, navigating complex emotions, diagnoses, and shifting perspectives. From exploring emotional load to advocating in school systems, Derek’s insights are real, relatable, and deeply needed.

    35 min

  7. 06/29/2025

    Ep 77: Late Diagnoses and Neurodivergent Identity: Monique Mitchelson's Journey

    Have you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you? In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity. Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical work and popular podcast with over 2.5 million listeners. Her journey is particularly compelling - from initially training in clinical psychology to discovering her own neurodivergence during professional development with autism expert Tony Attwood. From unpacking school report cards to examining workplace accommodations, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in neurodiversity. Whether you're personally navigating these experiences, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more about cognitive diversity, you'll find Monique's perspective both enlightening and empowering. Featured Resources: The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Monique Mitchelson Want to hear more from Monique? Check out her podcast here and connect with her work here. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: LifeLine – 13 11 14 BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636

    41 min

  8. 05/29/2025

    Ep 76: Why Dyslexic Leaders Hide—And How to Change It (Ft. Saraya O’Connell)

    What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity. In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including: ● The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated. ● Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia. ● Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions). ● How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it. ● The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower." ● Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

    42 min
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About

Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us. Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn." You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!

Information

  • Creator
    Shae Wissell
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dear Dyslexic Podcast
  • Show Website
    Dear Dyslexic Podcast