Wednesday 07-10-2020 - 00:00

Dyslexia is not always recognised in school.

There is enough of a common experience for adults discovering they are dyslexic later in life that it is known by some by its acronym, SARAH. This stands for Shock, Anger, Resistance, Acceptance, and Healing and together they create an all too typical emotional valley.

Before my assessment confirmed that I am Dyslexic I had never heard of this SARAH, Sarah was just a name that some wonderful people are known by. However, after my assessment I immersed myself in resources from Dyslexia Scotland and this acronym gave me the hooks I needed to process, or start to, how I had been, and was, feeling. Not quite a straightforward valley, more a rolling landscape that revisited each stage along the way, which is also typical. A landscape I am still travelling through, luckily mostly in a state of healing.

Writing the following poem helped me process my anger, and reading it every now and again helps me keep things in perspective. However, before I get to that, I have been wondering, and you might be wondering too, why am I sharing something so personal? I think it is because the biggest thing that has helped me is the patience and, dare I say it, grace of those around me. It is much easier to be gracefully patient when you are best informed.

So, I am sharing this to encourage you to be better informed so that you can be more patient with those around you that perhaps learn in a different way.

G. Urquhart - Student guest article 

University Student & Support Service

Advisory

If you have or suspect you have dyslexia, or any other support needs, you can contact Advisory for more information and advice by:

Phone: 01382 308833
Email: advisory@abertay.ac.uk

They can offer you advice on a range of matters, including special exam arrangements and how to access the Disabled Student Allowance (to help cover any equipment or support costs you may have).

Advisory will ensure that a support package is in place to give you the most appropriate means of help you throughout your time at university. All information is confidential, and will only be passed on to relevant members of staff with your approval.

External Support

Dyslexia Scotland

Dyslexia Scotland is a national charity dedicated to enabling people with dyslexia in Scotland to realise their potential.

Dyslexia Scotland offers a confidential Helpline, run by trained and experienced staff and volunteers, which offers advice and guidance on dyslexia-related issues in Scotland.
Helpline enquiries can be made by telephone, email or webchat. 

Opening times:
Monday to Thursday 10am to 4:30pm
Friday 10am to 4pm

How to contact the Helpline:
Telephone: 0344 800 84 84
Email: helpline@dyslexiascotland.org.uk

Check out this guide from Dyslexia Scotland for Students In University & College.