Lost for Words features a diverse cast of inspiring individuals who all have dyslexia; a learning difference that is often misunderstood. From primary school pupils to talented teenagers, to adults who have excelled in their chosen field of work, this programme presents intimate portraits of life with dyslexia, a condition that affects 10% of the population.
The documentary was inspired by a radio interview with hotelier John Brennan who talked openly about having dyslexia and his desire to make the workplace more inclusive for brains that think differently. John is one of the participants in the programme and we will also hear from other individuals who navigate life with dyslexia, including Hannah Daly a mother and occupational therapist from Dublin, champion swimmer Dylan Gunn a fifth-year secondary school pupil in Middleton, Jean O’Donoghue from the Traveller Visibility Group in Cork and Dr. Keith Murphy a lecturer in Social Policy for TU Dublin, Tallaght. Dyslexia is a learning difference that effects people in different ways and Lost for Words will depict their struggles as well as their triumphs.
‘Lost for Words’ also features the staff and children of Catherine McAuley National School, a specialist reading school in Dublin city centre that provides two-year intensive placements for children with severe dyslexia. Principal Neasa Sheahan provides an insight into the importance of reading schools and that often the most important lesson taught is to how to rebuild children’s self-esteem. Mainstream education can often leave children with dyslexia feeling different and ‘stupid’. One thing everyone will learn from Lost for Words is that dyslexia is a learning difference – it has no correlation to intelligence. Early intervention and support are crucial to help Irish children reach their full potential.
