Dyslexia help turns Luke's life around

Manual work used to be the only job option available to Luke Free.

Dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivty disorder made work where he had to read or write almost impossible for the Devonport man.

He worked hands-on jobs such as security or cleaning for most of his life before completing a Dore course four years ago.

Now he is a business consultant with First Mobile.

"Five years ago I couldn’t have imagined I’d be where I am today.

"It’s been life-changing. I’m 100 percent more satisfied with myself."

Mr Free was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was five years old, but never received treatment.

Teachers used to make him stand on desks and recite a paragraph when they found he hadn’t done his homework.

That experience was made humiliating by the fact he couldn’t read and found it difficult to
concentrate.

He went through seven schools before "unofficially" leaving high school at 13 years old for a job cleaning windows.

A series of jobs in security and service followed.

"My biggest fear was that I would get hurt and be unable to function physically.

"It would have meant the end of my working life," he says.

His life changed when he completed a Dore course four years ago, after he moved to New Zealand from
Ireland.

The exercises taught in the Dore course helped him improve the function of his cerebellum and access information he previously hadn’t been able to.

For the first time in his life he was able to read and write normally.

"Now I don’t freak out when someone puts a form in front of me," he says.

His advice to other people with dyslexia is to not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

"We have all these coping mechanisms in place but sooner or later they run out.

"You have to get help," he says.

Dyslexia Awareness week finishes on Sunday.

The week is focused on promoting the gifts of creativity associated with dyslexia.

Last year the government officially recognised dyslexia as a condition, but promised funding has not followed.

- © Fairfax NZ News