Liz Dunoon is a teacher and a mother to three children all with dyslexia. It was through her own research to help her children that she discovered a huge divide between what is known by researchers about dyslexia and what is happening to support children with it in our schools today.

Liz graduated from teachers college in 1987 and taught in both the state and the independent school system. During this time her passion was always the teaching of reading and writing, yet her teacher college training did not provide her with any knowledge of dyslexia or how it could impact on a child’s ability to learn and to be successful.

In 2004 her oldest son started school. After 4 months he was unable to read any of the basic words being sent home on flashcards and was not capable of reading any of the words in his readers. After speaking to his teacher about her concerns, Liz came to the realisation that his teacher was totally unaware of his plight and could not offer any strategies to help him. Fear, worry and anxiety crept into her family and the future began to look very uncertain. She knew her son was intelligent, yet she did not know why he wasn’t learning at the same rate as the other children in his class.

Not one to sit around and dwell on what might have been. Liz started to research how she could help her son to learn and to be successful at school. With the teachers approval she began to tutor 6 students from her son’s class, who were also struggling to read and with 3 short sessions per week over 6 weeks she had every child in her group reading and smiling once again.

Her dyslexia research continued and just as well, because her second son was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2009 and her youngest daughter is also showing similar traits. Liz sought the advice of some of the world’s leading dyslexia researchers to help her children to succeed at school. According to their studies approximately 10 to 15% of the English speaking population could have dyslexia. Liz came to the conclusion that there must be many other families who could benefit from access to her research as well. A survey site posted on the Internet confirmed her thoughts as it became obvious many concerned parents of struggling school children were also searching for answers.

This resulted in her writing the book ‘HELPING CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA – 21 Super Strategies To Ensure Your Child’s Success At School’. So passionate about this cause Liz even sought the help of one of the world’s most famous business entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson who is also dyslexic. He is a wonderful role model for all families affected by dyslexia and he willingly offered his support by writing an inspirational foreword for the book.

Liz believes it is time for change; children with dyslexia are as intelligent as all other children, yet it is formal schooling, which seems to hold them back. A majority of teachers are not educated enough to identify a child at risk of dyslexia, which leaves parents unsure of what to do to help their child when they are struggling at school. On top of this there are limited diagnostic services available and it can become an expensive extremely confusing minefield as parents strive to seek solutions.

Scientific research shows that early identification of dyslexia and the instigation of appropriate support systems will change many lives. On going education is the key and Liz is determined to help to create a complete and thorough educational support system to ensure parents and teachers can help all children to reach their full potential at school and in life.

Currently residing in Melbourne Australia, Liz is married to Andrew who also struggled with reading and spelling at school. Now a successful business entrepreneur, he supports her all the way and helps behind the scenes to provide their educational services. Her three children tackle each school year confidently and successfully and Liz continues to research and write so she can offer ongoing support to those families affected by dyslexia. ‘Transformation’ is Liz’s chosen keyword. “I want to help to transform people’s lives so they can be the best they can be.”

Liz with mentors Andrew and Daryl Grant. Andrew Grant is dyslexic and together with his wife Daryl, has gone on to become a number one best selling author and successful marketing entrepreneur.

Liz with Darren Stephens, CEO of Global publishing at the author’s book launch.

At home teaching sight words

Writing this book took more then 18 months even when on a camping holiday.

Our family at Whitehaven Beach QLD Australia

Liz with Fabe Keily after Liz presented at the ‘Working Smart Living Smart’ seminar