More than often we tend to dwell on the negatives aspects of dyslexia.Here we give two examples of young dyslexic people who have gone on to be a success in their own unique way, despite struggling at school.
A 12-year-old boy started his own company, Spice Thyme after becoming fed up with suggestions that his dyslexia might affect his chances of a good job. Tom Sweet borrowed £200 from his parents to buy foreign herbs and spices which he now sells at markets "There seemed a gap in the market for herbs and spices," added Tom, who imports products from China, India, France and Italy.
A 12-year-old boy started his own company, Spice Thyme after becoming fed up with suggestions that his dyslexia might affect his chances of a good job. Tom Sweet borrowed £200 from his parents to buy foreign herbs and spices which he now sells at markets "There seemed a gap in the market for herbs and spices," added Tom, who imports products from China, India, France and Italy.
Both Tom and his parents believe that the business has helped his dyslexia., especially with his maths.Tom's father said his son had worked hard to develop his business and added that his experience had given him confidence in dealing with people.
Louis Barnett, 21st century Willy Wonka.
A dyslexic teenager became a real-life teenage Willy Wonka by opening his own chocolate factory aged just 16 !!
Louis Barnett began making chocolate at home as a hobby. He was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia. After this he was taken out of school to be home educated. He set up his own company called Chokolit. He gave it this name because this was the way he phonetically spelt the word chocolate. His business has landed contracts with supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Waitrose who stock his luxury chocolates . Companies in Russia, Sweden, India and Japan are also expressing an interest in his products.Louis's chocolates are unique as they come packaged in an edible boxes, bags etc.
His mother said that no one understood him at school and that while his reports said his vocabulary and general knowledge were excellent, to her disappointment they focused on negative points like maths and written work.
He received the Lord Carter Award for excellence in the food industry and was nominated for a Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007. He was also a finalist in the teen category of the 2007 Enterprising Young Brits Awards.
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3 comments:
Hi there - i have just found your blog through IWI - how great! i am british and have a 10 year old who is (recently diagnosed) dyslexic and in school here in turkey. we are currently stressed about secondary school choices for moving back to the UK - amongst many other things! Your blog is great!
Debra,
Hi - glad to hear you liked my blog.If you have any ideas for articles let me know.. I hope your child is getting the help he or she needs.
You could try to find out about schools in the UK which have the DFS mark ( Dyslexia Friendly schools).
Also CReSTed (The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils) has a list of private schools..
Perhaps we can get in touch some time.I liked your blog also ..
Hi thanks for these tips - i would love to talk to you when it suits you. In particular i wonder about getting a bit of extra support here in Turkey before we hit secondary in UK!
thanks
Debra
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