S.J. Poyton is neurodiverse. Neurodiverse means that your brain works in a different way. This can come with challenges but can be a great benefit too.

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S.J. has dyslexia, which means she struggles to process written words, which makes reading and writing more difficult. S.J. took a very long time to learn to read and is still a slow reader now. Her spelling is still awful, and her grammar is getting better, but is still not great.

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Over the years S.J. has developed coping mechanisms to make these things easier and has learnt to ask for help. Hopefully, seeing that she has written and had a book published will be evidence that if you want to do something, and if you put the right tools and support in place, you can overcome hurdles and achieve your dreams.

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S.J. also has dyscalculia, which is like dyslexia but with numbers and mathematical understanding. This is particularly tricky in a world increasingly reliant on PIN codes, but technological advances such as mobile phones – with saved telephone numbers and calculators – make it easier to navigate this modern world, if you can get the PIN number correct to unlock the phone, that is!

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In addition to having issues processing words and numbers, S.J. has dyspraxia, which means she has difficulties with coordination and dexterity. She gets confused with her left and right, finds tying shoelaces tricky, and she once had the same knot in her tie at school for two years. However, finding coping mechanisms and doing exercises and sport can help alleviate these issues a little.

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Neurodiverseness can be tricky in a world designed for neurotypical people, but with the right support and understanding, neurodiverse people can thrive. There are many people who are neurodiverse who find their purpose in life and do very well, especially as they look at life and see connections and patterns that most people can’t spot, which means they can excel at creative endeavours.