Unmasking Dyslexia with Carleen Ross, M.Sc.

Carleen Ross MSc. Positive Psychology Practitioner & Coach
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Unmasking Dyslexia explores the lived experience and untold strengths of dyslexic minds.Hosted by Carleen Ross, Positive Psychology Practitioner and coach, each episode blends personal stories with science-backed insights from psychology and neuroscience.Discover practical tools, reframe the narrative, and reconnect with what it truly means to thrive with dyslexia.

  1. Do Dyslexics Show More Facial Expressions? Research Says Yes

    3D AGO

    Do Dyslexics Show More Facial Expressions? Research Says Yes

    Send us Fan Mail Do dyslexic individuals show more facial expressions and emotional reactions? Some research suggests they might. In this episode, we explore studies showing that dyslexic individuals may have a stronger emotional response to visual stimuli, which can be seen through facial expressions, heart rate, and the body’s sympathetic nervous system. This means dyslexics may naturally express emotions more openly on their faces, making their reactions easier to read during conversations or emotional moments. In this episode, we discuss: Why dyslexic individuals may show stronger facial expressiveness How emotional processing and visual stimuli influence reactions Why dyslexia and autism can show different emotional expression patterns The strengths and challenges of being emotionally expressive Why research findings don’t apply to every dyslexic individual Facial expressiveness can make dyslexics powerful communicators, but it can also lead to misunderstandings when others interpret expressions incorrectly. If you’re dyslexic, you might recognize this experience — your face showing exactly what you're thinking or feeling before you even say a word. 👍 If this episode resonates with you, like and subscribe to help others better understand the dyslexic brain and the many ways neurodiversity shows up in everyday life. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    4 min
  2. Why Dyslexic brains struggle with names and faces (It’s Neurology, Not Carelessness)

    MAR 17

    Why Dyslexic brains struggle with names and faces (It’s Neurology, Not Carelessness)

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever run into someone you know you know—but their name just won’t come, and their face doesn’t quite register the way you expect? For dyslexic individuals, this isn’t carelessness or lack of effort. It’s neurology. In this episode, I explore the neuroscience behind name retrieval and face recognition in dyslexic brains, including research on the left anterior temporal lobe and the visual word form area. We unpack why dyslexic individuals may struggle to retrieve proper names, why this can sometimes extend to recognizing repeated faces, and why blanket statements like “dyslexics can’t remember faces” miss the nuance entirely. I also share personal reflections as a dyslexic and an artist—highlighting how strong episodic memory, visual detail, and storytelling often coexist alongside name-retrieval challenges. Dyslexia doesn’t look the same in everyone, and this episode emphasizes individual differences, strengths, and meaning-based processing rather than deficit narratives. If you’re dyslexic, support dyslexic individuals, or want to understand neurodiversity through a more compassionate and accurate lens, this conversation offers insight, validation, and a reframing of what’s really happening beneath the surface. Monzalvo, K., Fluss, J., Billard, C., Dehaene, S., & Dehaene-Lambertz, G. (2012). Cortical networks for vision and language in dyslexic and normal children of variable socio-economic status. NeuroImage, 61, 258–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.02.035 Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    5 min
  3. Do You Really Need a Dyslexia Diagnosis? (Or Is Understanding Enough?)

    MAR 3

    Do You Really Need a Dyslexia Diagnosis? (Or Is Understanding Enough?)

    Send us Fan Mail Do you really need a formal diagnosis to understand yourself — or to deserve support? In this episode, Carleen questions the current diagnostic model used in neurodiversity and mental health, and why so many people are required to struggle or reach crisis before being allowed access to accommodations. Drawing from personal experience with her child, Carleen explores: • The difference between diagnosis and classification • Why the DSM-5 relies on a medical model of struggle • How neurodivergent people can meet processing criteria without being in crisis • Why supportive environments can prevent diagnosable struggle • The flaw in waiting for breakdown before offering help • How this mirrors broader failures in the medical system This episode invites a shift from crisis-based intervention to preventative wellbeing, asking whether simply understanding where you fall on the neurodiversity continuum may be enough to bring meaning, self-acceptance, and healthier support. 💬 Do you believe support should only come after crisis — or before? 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this perspective resonated with you. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    6 min
  4. Why Dyslexia Feels Worse Some Days

    FEB 17

    Why Dyslexia Feels Worse Some Days

    Send us Fan Mail Do dyslexic challenges stay the same throughout life? No — and that realization can be life-changing. In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen explores the critical psychological difference between trait and state, and why dyslexic challenges can feel stronger at certain times — without meaning anything is “wrong” with you. You’ll learn: • Why a dyslexia diagnosis reflects a moment in time, not your entire capacity • The difference between dyslexia as a trait and dyslexic challenges as a state • How stress, hormones, sleep, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing impact dyslexic functioning • Why word retrieval, memory, and communication can fluctuate • How self-blame often comes from misunderstanding what’s actually happening This episode reframes dyslexia through a compassionate, science-informed lens and helps you stop internalizing difficult days as personal failure. ✨ If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I think today?” — this episode is for you. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this perspective helped you feel seen. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    6 min
  5. Dyslexia vs Autism: Are We Misdiagnosing Neurodivergent Brains?

    FEB 3

    Dyslexia vs Autism: Are We Misdiagnosing Neurodivergent Brains?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen explores one of the most debated and misunderstood topics in neurodiversity: What do dyslexia and autism actually have in common — and where are they fundamentally different? Drawing on graduate-level research and neuroscience, this episode examines how dyslexia and autism are often diagnosed based on behavior, rather than brain structure, and why this may be leading to widespread misdiagnosis. You’ll learn: Why dyslexia is not the same as a learning disabilityHow dyslexic and autistic brains differ at the cellular levelWhy overlapping traits don’t necessarily mean dual diagnosesHow dyslexia exists far beyond reading and writing — in social processing, memory, and communicationWhy current diagnostic systems may be outdated for neurodivergent individualsThis conversation challenges conventional thinking and invites a more holistic, brain-based understanding of dyslexia, autism, and neurodiversity as a whole. ✨ If you’ve ever questioned your diagnosis — or been told you’re “a bit of everything” — this episode is for you. 📌 Join the conversation: Do you think dyslexia is being misunderstood or misclassified? Share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    7 min
  6. Can Exercise Improve Dyslexic Memory? What the Science Is Showing

    JAN 20

    Can Exercise Improve Dyslexic Memory? What the Science Is Showing

    Send us Fan Mail Can exercise actually improve dyslexic traits like working memory, executive functioning, and focus? In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen explores a 2024 study out of London showing that moderate exercise can increase cognitive functioning and working memory — even in individuals with cognitive impairments. While dyslexia has not yet been the direct focus of this research, the findings raise an important question: If exercise improves cognition in dementia and typical brains, why wouldn’t it help dyslexic brains too? In this episode, you’ll learn: What the 2024 research says about exercise and cognitive functioningWhy moderate exercise helps — but high-intensity exercise may hurt cognitionHow working memory and executive functioning impact dyslexic adultsWhy morning movement may benefit both the same day and the next dayHow sleep, stress reduction, and exercise work togetherWhy movement doesn’t have to mean the gym (and what actually counts)Carlene offers a compassionate, realistic challenge: just 30 minutes of enjoyable movement a day — walking, cycling, dancing, or playful exercise — paired with better sleep hygiene, to support the dyslexic brain. This episode is empowering, science-informed, and designed to help dyslexics work with their brains instead of against them. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    6 min
  7. Dyslexic Brain and Sleep: The Missing Link to Memory, Stress and Focus

    JAN 6

    Dyslexic Brain and Sleep: The Missing Link to Memory, Stress and Focus

    Send us Fan Mail Many dyslexics struggle with memory, word recall, executive functioning, overwhelm, and chronic stress — but what if poor sleep is making everything worse? In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen explores why sleep impacts the dyslexic brain more intensely and how common habits like late-night screen time, caffeine, irregular schedules, stress, and sensory overload quietly sabotage cognitive functioning. You’ll learn: Why psychology diagnoses focus on behaviour — not brain structureHow poor sleep worsens working memory, word recall, and executive functionWhat “sleep hygiene” really means for dyslexic and neurodivergent adultsHow clutter, stress, caffeine, food timing, and exercise affect sleep qualityWhy even 10 minutes of daily movement can improve cognitive performanceA gentle one-week challenge to improve sleep without perfection or pressureThis episode is practical, compassionate, and realistic — especially for dyslexics, ADHDers, and highly sensitive people who process the world more intensely and need routines that honour their nervous systems. 🎧 If you’re dyslexic and exhausted, foggy, or overwhelmed, this episode may change how you see sleep — and yourself. Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    10 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Misleading Dyslexia Statistics: Why Dementia Risk Isn’t What You Think

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen breaks down a widely circulated (and often misquoted) statistic claiming that dyslexics have a “high chance” of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. But what does the research actually say—and what does it not say? Carleen explains the 2024 genetic study that linked dyslexia to a specific Alzheimer’s subtype, why many people confuse learning disability statistics with dyslexia, and how misinformation spreads when context is missing. You’ll also learn:  • The difference between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia  • Why neurodiverse people (ADHD, autism, HSPs) may show similar patterns  • How wellbeing, stress, and mindset influence brain health  • What positive psychology research shows about protective factors  • How dyslexic strengths—creativity, pattern recognition, big-picture thinking—build resilience  • Why some people have Alzheimer’s plaques but never develop dementia symptoms This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and practical steps to increase wellbeing and support long-term brain health—without fear-based messaging or misquoted statistics. Show Notes: Chang, Z., Yao, H., Sun, S., Zhang, L., Liu, S., Brikell, I., D’Onofrio, B. M., Larsson, H., Lichtenstein, P., Kuja-Halkola, R., Hägg, S., Happé, F., & Taylor, M. J. (2025). Association between autism and dementia across generations: Evidence from a family study of the Swedish population. Molecular Psychiatry, 30(10), 4605–4612. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03045-6 Levine SZ, Rotstein A, Kodesh A, et al. Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Risk of Dementia. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2338088. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38088 Zhu, P., Gao, S., Wu, S., Li, X., Huang, C., Chen, Y., & Liu, G. (2024). Causal relationships between dyslexia and the risk of eight dementias. Translational psychiatry, 14(1), 371. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03082-9 Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

    9 min
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About

Unmasking Dyslexia explores the lived experience and untold strengths of dyslexic minds.Hosted by Carleen Ross, Positive Psychology Practitioner and coach, each episode blends personal stories with science-backed insights from psychology and neuroscience.Discover practical tools, reframe the narrative, and reconnect with what it truly means to thrive with dyslexia.

Information

  • Creator
    Carleen Ross MSc. Positive Psychology Practitioner & Coach
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unmasking Dyslexia with Carleen Ross, M.Sc.
  • Show Website
    Unmasking Dyslexia with Carleen Ross, M.Sc.

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