Self-Acceptance and Belonging With Dyslexia

Описание: What changes when we stop trying to fit in and start allowing ourselves to be who we really are?

In this episode of The Choice Space Podcast, Dr Lee David talks with Liz Evans, The Untypical OT — occupational therapist, parent and advocate for neurodivergent families. They explore what it means to live authentically with dyslexia, the emotional impact of late diagnosis and the sense of relief that comes from finally understanding yourself.

The conversation looks at how masking, perfectionism and shame can take hold when differences go unrecognised — and how self-acceptance, humour and everyday strategies can restore balance. Liz shares her personal journey from struggle to strength, and the lessons she’s learned about parenting, belonging and building a life that works with, not against, the way her brain works.

This is a compassionate, grounded conversation for anyone learning to drop the mask and embrace difference — in themselves or someone they love.

What we cover
• Why late diagnosis brings relief, anger and unexpected grief
• The hidden toll of masking and how it affects mental health
• How self-understanding and acceptance change everything
• Finding practical tools that make everyday life easier
• The power of humour and flexibility in family life
• Letting go of perfection and owning your strengths
• Finding belonging in neurodivergent communities

Key moments
00:00 The emotional rollercoaster of late diagnosis
02:40 What occupational therapy really means
06:33 Why joy and fun are essential occupations
10:12 Masking, shame and the cost of hiding
19:37 The Choice Pause – making space for connection and acceptance
23:08 How honesty builds trust and real connection
26:48 The anger and grief that come with understanding
32:27 Belonging, community and self-acceptance
38:29 Everyday tools that lighten the cognitive load
40:23 Two simple choices to carry forward

About the host
Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. She is the founder of 10 Minute CBT and a podcast host sharing evidence-based tools for self-doubt, stress and everyday decision-making. Lee has written books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family.

You can find Lee on Instagram and TikTok (@dr.lee.david) and LinkedIn. You can find more about her her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

About the guest
Liz is a dyslexic, solo parent in a neurodiverse family and an Occupational therapist. She helps neurodivergent parents, people, and places, protect against burnout through a neuroaffirming, trauma and sensory-responsive lens, so they can move from living in survival and overwhelm to living with more calm and capacity. You can find Liz on Facebook, Instagram (@the_untypical_ot), and LinkedIn. She’s also the host of The Untypical Parent Podcast, created for parents and carers in neurodivergent families who are finding their own way of doing things differently.

References
J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2025;66:1065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.14123
Aust J Psychol 2024;76:2399114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2024...
Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023;20:1653 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021653