Zoë reveals how the arts can inspire people with dyslexia in Creative, Successful, Dyslexic

8 September 2015 18:17

Zoë discusses her experience of dyslexia in Creative, Successful, Dyslexic: 23 High Achievers Share Their Stories, a new book by Margaret Rooke. In the book Zoë and the other contributors 'reveal how dyslexia enabled them to see things differently, develop resourcefulness and use their unique creativity in exceptional ways'.

In a sensitive, insightful interview Zoë remarks that she felt relieved when she was diagnosed as dyslexic, just over ten years ago. She has always struggled to retain information. However, attending art school and drama school was a turning point. She found the creative disciplines far more engaging than a traditional academic environment, not least because her imagination is 'very visual'.

Zoë's experience suggests that dyslexia can in fact help people to unlock their creativity. 'There are many people in the arts who are dyslexic and who have many different forms of dyslexia. It's extraordinary how many people have surmounted it without really knowing it. A focus on the arts develops a vital muscle in the brain.'

If you'd like to read Zoe's full interview, as well as those of the other contributors (who include Prime Suspect's creator Lynda La Plante and Zoë's Five Children and It co-star Eddie Izzard), you'll be pleased to know that Creative, Successful, Dyslexic is available to buy online and in bookshops. The book is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and a portion of the profits will be donated to UK charity Dyslexia Action, of which Zoë is an ambassador.

I'd highly recommend Creative, Successful, Dyslexic to anyone who has dyslexia, knows someone who does or would just like to reach a clearer understanding of what dyslexia means to a range of people.

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