My dyslexia journey strangely starts with my brother as his diagnosis prompted mine. He was diagnosed after a long arduous battle with the primary school to provide a test so he could get the support he deserved. After a huge amount of drive from my parents, my brother managed to receive a diagnosis and then support throughout his education that saw him reach the amazing achievement of a BA (Hons).
Because of this hard work my family did, it set the conditions for the huge amounts of support I received throughout my education from primary school through to and including University. This has made a massive difference to me achieving GCSE's, A Levels, a BSc and most recently an MSc! I was lucky in two respects. I didn't have to bear the brunt of the fight with the education system and my dyslexia affects me to a lower level than my brother so is hugely different.
Once I left the education system and started my military (Army) career though all that support left. It was a move to timed assessments (with no extra time), handwritten essays and short notice written documents in customs styles. There may have been support in place on military educational courses but not wanting to be "that guy" it was just easier to get on with it and tick the box.
I think the need to "train as you fight" is essential and the ability to write briefs at short notice in customs styles will always (rightly) be required. But without the support during these courses then those with dyslexia will be doomed to failure when this ask is required of them.
Since leaving the military in 2025 I wanted to keep supporting those in the MOD who are Dyslexic as well veterans and those aspiring to join. This led me to setting up https://dyslexiaindefence.com/ to inspire the future generations to know that the MOD now harnesses those with dyslexia.