Matt Baker has opened up about how the condition has shaped his career
Matt Baker has opened up about how his dyslexia has shaped his career in a heart-to-heart with Woman’s Weekly. The BBC star and Countryfile presenter discussed the challenges dyslexia brought into his professional life, particularly when dealing with autocue reading and unexpected script alterations.
He sees his neurodivergence as a “superpower” but acknowledges its influence on his work in television. Baker shared: “It’s funny, because when you ask what’s the biggest mistake I’ve made, I actually don’t notice them. They’re just part of the learning. My dad’s dyslexic, my son’s dyslexic. And it’s just not an issue for us.”
The British Dyslexia Association points out that about 3.3 million adults in the UK may have dyslexia, with a significant number remaining undiagnosed. Despite being the most frequently recognised learning difficulty in children, many are unaware of the signs of this neurodivergence or where to seek assistance.
Importantly, dyslexia is not categorised as a learning disability as it does not impact intelligence and is thought to stem from inherited genetic factors. While the precise cause of dyslexia remains elusive, it’s believed to relate to brain development during early life influenced by these genes.
The NHS has highlighted that as many as 1 in 10 people in the UK could have some degree of dyslexia, with symptoms varying from person to person. Common warning signs for both adults and children can include reading or writing very slowly, confusing the order of letters in words, poor or inconsistent spelling, and difficulties following a sequence of directions.
Children may also struggle to learn nursery rhymes, avoid reciting the alphabet, and have difficulties remembering names of familiar people or objects. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, it’s advised to speak to their teacher or special educational needs co-ordinator.
If difficulties persist despite additional support, an in-depth assessment can be requested from a learning difficulties specialist, educational psychologist or speech and language therapists. Children with dyslexia can receive additional educational support to help them overcome their challenges and excel in their studies. Early diagnosis and intervention can also reduce the impact dyslexia has on a person’s life.
Employers are also obligated to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace, such as allowing extra time for certain tasks, for employees with dyslexia. Support groups, workshops and local assistance are also available through charities like the British Dyslexia Association.
