I’m deeply honoured to contribute to Dyslexia, Art, and School-based Trauma by Dr. Neil Alexander-Passe, a remarkable exploration of the hidden scars that dyslexia can leave on young minds, particularly within the unforgiving walls of traditional education. This isn’t just a book; it’s a beacon of light and inspiration
for those who’ve felt broken by a system that prizes conformity over creativity. 
 
It’s a joy to see how Neil weaves together the science of dyslexia with the raw emotion of lived experiences, showing how many of us have transformed pain into purpose and how art can serve as a powerful medium for healing and self-expression. It challenges us to rethink how we support neurodiverse individuals, and I’m grateful it exists to spark those conversations.
 
Mark Stoddart, Scottish dyslexic artist. His sculptures are owned by Sir Elton John, Buzz Aldrin, Nelson Mandela, Eric Clapton, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Alex Ferguson, and even the King of Saudi Arabia. Known for his bronze and silver sculptures, he helped establish pioneering neurodiverse schools in Bali and Kenya. Mark is an ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland and other charities, and his book Making a Mark!, is now a musical that shares his journey. 
 
 
‘Dyslexia, Art, and School-based Trauma’ is a brilliant, very readable book. It lays out with total clarity the trauma that can be experienced by undiagnosed and unsupported dyslexic young people in school, shining a light on the clear link between dyslexia and creativity, particularly art. This book is for parents, teachers, individuals with dyslexia, artists... anyone, in fact, who wants to gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia. I recognised my own experiences in this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.
 
Mackenzie Thorpe, dyslexic artist. Internationally renowned, his paintings and sculptures explore universal themes of love, hope and struggle. Mackenzie has been exhibited extensively worldwide, namely throughout Europe, the United States and Australia, whilst actively championing awareness of dyslexia
and neurodiversity.