Mimicking - Staying safe

In this episode, we explore the emotional ups and downs that often come with dyslexia in adulthood. Those days when everything clicks — clarity, confidence, momentum — can feel incredible. But just as quickly, dyslexic adults can experience sudden drops into overwhelm, withdrawal, and disconnection, often without knowing why.I share personal experiences of these emotional swings, including common coping mechanisms like hiding, disconnecting, comfort eating, or retreating from the world. We talk about how the dyslexic brain is deeply driven by purpose, and how losing that sense of “why” can trigger those down days.This episode also touches on the idea that these highs and lows are not personal flaws — they’re a dyslexic trait. I also share an early experiment with 5-HTP, a supplement linked to serotonin and calming the fight-or-flight response, and how it may be helping smooth out emotional extremes.Most importantly, this episode is about reassurance, awareness, and acceptance — understanding that you’re not broken, you’re wired differently.TakeawaysEmotional highs and lows are a common dyslexic trait, not a personal failingDyslexic minds often experience bigger ups and bigger downs than othersSudden disconnection, hiding, or withdrawal can be a response to losing purposeThe dyslexic brain constantly looks for meaning and “why” behind actionsDown days can feel scary because they often come without a clear reasonFight-or-flight and adrenal fatigue are common challenges for dyslexic adultsSmall “calming hacks” can help reduce emotional extremes over timeAcceptance and awareness are powerful first steps in managing dyslexic emotionsDyslexia ups and downs, Adult dyslexia emotions, Dyslexic emotional highs and lows, Dyslexia and anxiety, Dyslexic burnout, Dyslexic brain and purpose, Fight or flight dyslexia, Emotional regulation dyslexia, Living with dyslexia, Truth About Dyslexia podcast, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this short and practical episode, we introduce a brand-new Adult Dyslexia Quiz created to help adults reflect on their life experiences and explore whether dyslexia may be part of their story.Many dyslexia tests focus on childhood traits, often missing the real-world challenges adults face. This simple, mobile-friendly quiz is designed to highlight adult characteristics of dyslexia and encourage clarity, confidence, and self-understanding.This is an early version and a true community project. We invite you to take the quiz, share it with others, and give honest feedback to help improve it. Whether you’re an adult with dyslexia or a partner of someone who is, this tool is built to spark insight and conversation.TakeawaysThe Adult Dyslexia Quiz focuses on adult traits, not just childhood symptomsIt’s simple, quick, and works easily on mobile devicesThe quiz encourages reflection on everyday life experiencesIt’s a work in progress, and community feedback is encouragedDesigned to help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create clarityListeners are invited to join the Facebook community and be part of the projectAdult Dyslexia Quiz, Signs of Dyslexia in Adults, Adult Dyslexia Test, Dyslexia Self-Assessment, Dyslexia Awareness, Adult Learning Differences, Dyslexia Support Community, Truth About Dyslexia, Adult Neurodiversity, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Stephen revisits one of the most popular conversations from The Truth About Dyslexia podcast archive as part of a special six-part replay series. While Stephen takes a well-earned summer break in New Zealand, he’s sharing some of the most listened-to and loved episodes from over the years.This episode explores mimicking (also known as mirroring) — a behaviour many dyslexic adults unconsciously use to feel safe, accepted, and to “fit in,” especially in work, social, and relationship settings.TakeawaysWhy mimicking can become a survival strategy for dyslexic adultsHow uncertainty and anxiety can drive people-pleasing behavioursThe benefits of mimicking (learning new things, building rapport)The hidden cost: losing touch with your real identityHow mirroring can create a disconnect between who you are and who you present to the world Asking the powerful question: “Is this actually me — or is this just keeping me safe?”Dyslexia and mimicking, mirroring behaviour dyslexia, dyslexic masking, dyslexia coping, strategies, neurodivergent masking, people pleasing dyslexia, dyslexia and identity, dyslexic adults anxiety, fitting in as a dyslexic, dyslexia self awareness, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this conversation, Stephen Martin explores the concept of visual learning, particularly in the context of dyslexia. He discusses how dyslexics often excel in visual and kinesthetic learning, and shares personal techniques for harnessing these strengths to improve memory retention and understanding. Through vivid imagery and creative visualization, he illustrates how to remember complex words and concepts, emphasizing the importance of appreciation without judgment in learning. The conversation highlights practical strategies for effective learning and personal development.TakeawaysVisual learning is a significant advantage for dyslexics.Dyslexics often learn best through kinesthetic experiences.Imagining experiences can enhance memory retention.Breaking down complex words into visual components aids memory.Using personal imagery can help in remembering concepts.Listening to audiobooks can be more effective with focused retention strategies.Appreciation without judgment can enhance learning experiences.Visual learning techniques can be applied to various concepts, not just words.Slowing down the learning process can lead to better understanding.Creating personal connections with concepts makes them stick better.Dyslexia, visual learning, kinesthetic learning, memory techniques, auditory learning, appreciation without judgment, practical Buddhism, learning strategies, cognitive techniques, personal development, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this podcast, Stephen Martin discusses the distinction between requests and demands, particularly in the context of relationships and personal growth. He reflects on his experiences with dyslexia and how it affects his understanding of these concepts. Through insights gained from 'The Five Love Languages', he emphasizes the importance of making requests rather than demands to foster healthier communication and connection with others.TakeawaysRequests are more effective than demands in relationships.Demanding love can lead to resentment and pain.Understanding the difference between requests and demands is crucial.Dyslexia can complicate the understanding of abstract concepts.Making requests fosters a desire to help and connect.Demanding behavior can create anxiety and disorientation.Using clay to visualize concepts can aid understanding.Personal growth involves recognizing and changing communication patterns.Daily practice of making requests can improve relationships.Reflecting on communication styles can lead to deeper insights.Dyslexia, requests, demands, relationships, communication, love languages, personal growth, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.comJoin our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Stephen Martin shares his personal journey with dyslexia, detailing his experiences from childhood through adulthood. He discusses the challenges he faced in school, the impact of his diagnosis, and how he learned to manage his dyslexia. Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding dyslexia beyond just reading and writing, highlighting the unique ways dyslexics process information and the creative solutions they often find. He aims to provide insights and support for adults navigating life with dyslexia.TakeawaysStephen's early struggles with dyslexia shaped his educational experience.Dyslexia is often misunderstood as solely a reading and writing disorder.Receiving a diagnosis helped Stephen understand his challenges better.Support from family, especially his mother, was crucial in his journey.Dyslexics can be highly intelligent and creative problem solvers.The educational system often lacks adequate support for dyslexic students.Understanding dyslexia is essential for personal growth and self-acceptance.Dyslexia affects identity and self-perception in adults.There are effective tools and techniques available for managing dyslexia.Stephen aims to help others by sharing his experiences and insights. Dyslexia, education, personal journey, adult dyslexia, learning challenges, creative solutions, self-discovery, mental health, identity, support, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comIn this episode, Stephen Martin reflects on the new year and shares insights on goal setting, particularly for neurodivergent thinkers. He discusses the evolution of his approach to setting goals, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, gratitude, and aligning one's purpose with their goals. Stephen also highlights the significance of creating a productive routine to achieve these goals, sharing personal experiences and practical tips.TakeawaysYou're not alone if you feel like you fail.I used to write these giant laundry lists of things.Gratitude is a huge piece of my goal setting.Imagine how you are going to be grateful for something.You have to build this physical emotional connection.I could see it, I could feel it.I wanted to be sober for 12 months.I finally came to the wording of my purpose.I feel amazing to me.Object permanence, emotional permanence is so real for us.Goal setting, neurodivergent thinkers, emotional connection, purpose alignment, productivity, new year, personal development, gratitude, meditation, routine,  adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Get 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this conversation, Stephen Martin explores the concept of gratitude, particularly from the perspective of neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes that gratitude is not merely about positivity but serves as an emotional fuel that can motivate and inspire action. Martin shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for cultivating a gratitude practice, highlighting its importance in fostering resilience and personal growth. He encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and create a gratitude list to carry forward into the new year, framing gratitude as a powerful tool for mental well-being and self-improvement.TakeawaysGratitude is not just about being positive; it's about emotional fuel.Neurodivergent thinkers often find motivation through emotional connections.Gratitude can create an emotional spark that leads to action.It's important to acknowledge both the good and the hard experiences.Creating a gratitude list can help recognize personal growth over time.Journaling gratitude monthly can prevent forgetting significant moments.Gratitude helps carry forward positive experiences into the new year.A gratitude practice can clear shame and spark momentum.Gratitude is a reset tool for neurodiverse minds.Reflecting on gratitude can enhance resilience and motivation.Gratitude, neurodivergent, emotional fuel, motivation, resilience, journaling, self-reflection, personal growth, mental health, positivity, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Stephen Martin provides a Christmas Day Survival Guide tailored for neurodiverse minds, focusing on strategies to navigate family dynamics, communication challenges, and emotional management during the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual family members' behaviors, recognizing old roles that resurface, and employing effective communication techniques to foster connection and reduce conflict. The episode concludes with a reminder to embrace imperfection and prioritize meaningful moments over unrealistic expectations.TakeawaysChristmas can be overwhelming for neurodiverse individuals.Understanding family dynamics helps in managing interactions.Old roles and triggers can resurface during family gatherings.Not everyone communicates in the same way; adapt your approach.Micro breaks can help reset your emotional state.Recognizing other neurodivergent family members fosters empathy.Use simple communication to de-escalate tense situations.Let go of perfectionism; focus on meaningful moments.Your job is to stay grounded and kind during the holidays.Embrace the chaos and enjoy the time with family.Neurodiversity, Christmas, family dynamics, communication, ADHD, dyslexia, emotional intelligence, coping strategies, family gatherings, mental health, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.comJoin our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this conversation, Stephen Martin discusses three essential things that neurodiverse individuals should let go of before the new year: rigid rules that don't fit their unique ways of thinking, the shame they carry from societal expectations, and the pressure to conform to others. He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's individuality and creating personal systems that work for them, rather than adhering to neurotypical standards. By releasing these burdens, neurodivergent minds can approach the new year with clarity and authenticity.TakeawaysLet go of the rules you were never built for.Success comes from rhythm, not rigid rules.Shame is a weight that hinders progress.You don't need to compare yourself to others.Create your own systems that work for you.Letting go of shame can lead to emotional freedom.You are unique and don't need to fit a template.January is just the next chapter, not a reset.Embrace your individuality and desires.Life changes when you stop comparing yourself to others.Neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia, self-acceptance, mental health, personal growth, shame, rules, new year resolutions, creativity, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠