Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty (SLD). Despite their struggles in the education system, getting the help they need can transform their lives.
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We never cease to be amazed at the courage of SPELD NZ students. Once they’ve had the support they need, their confidence soars.
Inspired by her own students, SPELD NZ Teacher Ali Fullick taught herself to write, illustrate and publish her own decodable books.
“The challenge ahead was daunting – but he soon realised there was a plan in place to help him.”
“I previously thought I was the only one in the world, but now I have found my tribe.” Phil Parker looks back on a lifetime struggling with numbers.
Meet Irene Fagan – one of our earliest teachers in the 1970s when dyslexia was virtually unheard of.
Many parents of children struggling in the classroom consider homeschooling. It’s not for everyone, but it was the perfect fit for Holly Blair’s family.
Christchurch IT product innovator Christian Sax describes his lifelong struggles with dyslexia and what he’s learned along the way.
An Auckland mother, and SPELD NZ Teacher, shares the story of her twice-exceptional son.
Emma Pollard became a SPELD NZ Teacher so she could support her dyslexic daughter and others like her.
Diagnosed with severe dyscalculia as a child, Isabelle went on to become a makeup artist and support others who struggle with numbers.
Dyslexic Professor Emeritus David Mellor looks back on the “phenomenal impact” of his tutor 70 years ago.
Training as a SPELD NZ Teacher overhauled Pip Coombes’ entire approach to teaching literacy.
Bayley Garnham’s struggles all made sense when he was diagnosed with dyspraxia and dysgraphia at the age of 12. Family support played a crucial role in his success.
New employee, Aidan Milner, recommends total honesty and not shying away from support to level the playing field.
For Summer Riley, a diagnostic assessment lifted a huge emotional toll and enables access to extra support at university.
Former SPELD NZ student Tadhg Norgrove is poised to become a clinical psychologist and help others who struggle with life.
Indie-pop sensation Benee embraces her dyslexia and the difference it brings.
What drives someone with learning difficulties to become a teacher? Former SPELD NZ student Elizabeth Luoni Verkleij shares her journey.
After a lifetime of frustration, 62-year-old Hamish Shoebridge has finally learnt how to read and write.
Aidan Milner soared through university despite severe dyslexia and dyscalculia. Here’s why.
Know how your brain functions, and what makes it click. That’s the advice of Dr Kyle Whitfield who once floundered with dyslexia at school.
Russell Campbell is living proof that it’s never too late to get help for dyslexia.
As a child, Joan Rusden knew she wanted to be a SPELD teacher, supporting dyslexic learners like herself.
In an ideal world, SPELD NZ would be redundant by now. In reality, we have never been busier.
SPELD NZ training equipped primary school teacher Katie Knight with “life changing” knowledge.
What’s it like to discover that you have ADHD as an adult? Simon Herbst shares his journey.
Having a child with severe dyslexia inspired a SPELD NZ mum to write and self-publish a book to build his self esteem.
“As a family it was breaking us.” Katie Knight finds the game-changer in her son’s life.
Ryan Attwood used to tune out at school. Learning vital skills has unleashed his creativity and motivation to learn.
SPELD NZ’s Financial Assistance programme enabled Ella Barnes to get the support she needed to overcome her learning difficulties.
Alisha Moser learned to make the most of her strengths as a visual learner and eventually become an architect and author.
Olivia Bollen struggled at school but now considers her dyslexia a gift in her chosen career.
As a 12-year-old, Nick Calder could hardly write. Now he’s in China doing his entire master’s degree in Mandarin.
Ingrid Norgrove used to dread that her son would end up in prison. Now she couldn’t be prouder.
Deirdre Coleman describes the SPELD NZ support helping her son manage his huge difficulties with maths.
Eight-year-old Jacob Neary is what you might call a “chip off the old block”.
What’s it like to teach your own child? Charis Sweeney trained with SPELD NZ so she could help her dyslexic son, Luke.
Andrew Jones had an affinity for science but struggled with literacy at school. SPELD tuition helped him unleash his potential and become a geotechnical technician.
Research shows that the earlier we identify and support children with dyslexia, the better their outcome. So what are the first signs, and what can we do to help?
