Aura Aon’s journey with dyslexia and neurodiversity began in adulthood, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and adaptation
Aura’s journey with neurodiversity started when she joined the Ability Network at her workplace in 2019. Initially drawn to the network out of interest in accessibility, she later realized her own neurodivergence after participating in discussions and webinars. This realization came during a challenging period, as she also managed Crohn’s disease, which affected her memory and energy levels. Aura’s decision to seek an assessment and embrace her neurodiversity as an adult underscores the continuous process of self-discovery and the importance of adapting to one’s unique needs.
Dyslexia and Neurodiversity
Living with dyslexia and neurodiversity can present unique challenges, but as Aura Aon’s experience illustrates, it also offers opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. Aura, a senior EU engineer at the London Stock Exchange, discovered her dyslexia and ADHD later in life, yet she has embraced her neurodiversity as a part of her identity and a catalyst for making a positive impact in her community. Her story is a testament to the idea that while dyslexia is not your fault, it is your responsibility to navigate and leverage it for a fulfilling life.
Engaging with community and advocacy roles provided Aura with a platform to learn and contribute, reflecting the value of involvement and support
Aura’s involvement in various roles, such as the UN Women UK delegate and a STEM ambassador, showcases her commitment to advocacy and community engagement. These roles not only allowed her to learn more about neurodiversity and accessibility but also enabled her to contribute to broader societal goals, such as bridging the digital gap and promoting gender equality. Her experiences highlight the importance of seeking out supportive communities and using one’s unique perspective to drive positive change.
Author Quote
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I had to learn how to relearn stuff and even like let’s say because of the kind of work line of work I’m in I’m in technology some stuff is visual but some things there’s a lot of text there’s a lot of abbreviations various stuff like that so having to learn that sometimes it takes longer and I’m one of those Learners that like listen I like listen to stuff or rereading over stuff quite a few times times and then before I get it.
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Aura’s approach to managing her career and personal life demonstrates the significance of prioritizing and self-care
Balancing a demanding career with extensive charity work, Aura emphasized the importance of prioritizing tasks and practicing self-care. She shared how she managed to focus on her exams before fully exploring her neurodiversity, illustrating the need to allocate mental resources wisely. Aura’s use of journaling and affirmations as coping mechanisms further underscores the importance of finding personalized strategies to manage the challenges associated with neurodiversity.
Key Takeaways:
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Understanding and Adapting to Neurodiversity: Adults with dyslexia should recognize that understanding their neurodiversity is a continuous process. It's important to learn how to adapt and change strategies to work best for oneself, as highlighted by Aku Aon's journey of self-discovery and adaptation after her diagnosis. This includes seeking help, support, and advice tailored to individual needs.
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Utilizing Strengths and Coping Mechanisms: Aku Aon emphasized the importance of leveraging strengths such as visual thinking and problem-solving, which are often associated with dyslexia. Adults should explore and utilize these strengths in their professional and personal lives. Additionally, implementing coping mechanisms like color-coding notes, journaling, and affirmations can help manage challenges effectively.
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Prioritizing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout: It's crucial for adults with dyslexia to prioritize self-care and manage their energy levels to prevent burnout. Aku Aon shared her experiences with burnout and the importance of taking breaks and seeking support. Self-care is not selfish but necessary for maintaining mental health and being able to contribute positively to work and community.
Utilizing dyslexia and neuroplasticity as strengths can enhance problem-solving and career development
Aura’s analytical mind and problem-solving skills, which she attributes to her neurodiversity, have been crucial in her career. She views herself as a “fixer,” using her unique perspective to address challenges in her workplace and community initiatives. Understanding that Dyslexia can be associated with strengths such as visual thinking and long-term memory, and leveraging Neuroplasticity to adapt and learn, has allowed her to thrive in her role and contribute effectively to her community.
Author Quote
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Being neurod Divergent has its strengths and challenges but it’s kind of like how you overcome it and the best thing I would always recommend is seek help, support, and advice because every individual’s different and you have to do what kind of suits you as an individual.
”Overcoming the challenges of dyslexia through neuroplasticity can lead to a more fulfilling life and positive impact on others
One of the specific challenges Aura faced was the need to relearn how to process and retain information, a common difficulty for those with dyslexia. However, by embracing the principles of neuroplasticity, she was able to develop strategies such as using color-coded notes and mind maps, which allowed her to better manage her work and studies. As an adult with dyslexia, taking responsibility for overcoming these challenges not only improves personal well-being but also enables one to be a more effective advocate and contributor to the lives of others, such as children or colleagues who may face similar struggles.
Discover how to navigate and leverage your unique challenges for a fulfilling life with the Adult learning skills Package.
