Unmasking Dyslexia with Carleen Ross, M.Sc.

Dyslexia & Gut Health: The Surprising Link to Constipation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/fan_mail/new] What does dyslexia have to do with constipation? More than you might think. In this episode, we explore the emerging connection between dyslexia, gut health, and the brain. While dyslexia is often viewed as a learning difference, it is also a neurodiverse profile—meaning the entire system, including the body, can be impacted. Inside this conversation: * The connection between the gut microbiome and brain function  * Why neurodivergent individuals may experience more digestive challenges  * The role of stress and anxiety in digestion  * How gut health can influence cognitive function and dyslexic traits  * The emerging research linking dyslexia with stomach aches and constipation  * Why this isn’t “just physical”—it’s neurological and systemic  We also explore interoception (your awareness of internal body signals) and how stress impacts digestion, potentially intensifying dyslexic challenges like word recall and processing. This episode is educational, empowering, and yes… a little bit of potty talk. ✨ Because understanding your body helps you understand your brain. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/support] Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

Do Dyslexics Stim? (Most People Get This Wrong)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/fan_mail/new] Do dyslexics stim? It’s a question that often gets dismissed—but the answer reveals something much deeper about dyslexia, neurodiversity, and how the brain regulates itself. In this episode, we unpack the truth: dyslexia is not just a learning difference—it is a neurodiverse profile. And like many neurodivergent individuals, dyslexics engage in forms of stimming, often without even realizing it. You’ll learn: * What stimming actually is and why it matters  * The different types of stimming (tactile, visual, auditory, movement, oral, and cognitive)  * Why many dyslexics say “I don’t stim”—but actually do  * How masking hides self-regulation behaviors  * The connection between stimming, anxiety, and focus  * Why these behaviors are not flaws—but intelligent adaptations  From fidgeting and rereading to shifting your weight or chewing your cheek, many everyday behaviors are actually forms of self-regulation. This episode invites you to rethink what you thought you knew about dyslexia—and to see yourself with more clarity, compassion, and understanding. ✨ You’re not broken. You’re wired differently—and intentionally. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/support] Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

Dyslexics Mask More Than You Think (Signs You Didn’t Realize)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/fan_mail/new] Do dyslexic individuals mask? Absolutely — and often more than they even realize. In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, we break down the hidden ways dyslexics mask in everyday life to fit into a world that doesn’t fully understand how their brain works. From memorizing information and overstudying to using humour, perfectionism, and rehearsed conversations — many of these behaviours aren’t personality traits… they’re coping strategies. In this episode, we explore: *  What masking looks like for dyslexic individuals  *  Why dyslexics often hide their challenges *  The difference between masking and personality  *  Common masking behaviours like:  *  Memorizing instead of processing  *  Overstudying to feel “safe”  *  Using humour or self-deprecation  *  Suppressing needs  *  Rehearsing conversations (social scripts)  *  The “class clown” vs. “quiet achiever” patterns  *  How masking impacts wellbeing and identity  Many dyslexics grow up adapting to survive socially and academically, often without realizing it. This episode invites you to pause and ask:  How much of what I do is actually masking? If you’re dyslexic — or support someone who is — this conversation can help bring awareness, validation, and a new lens to everyday behaviours. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help shift the narrative around dyslexia and neurodiversity. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/support] Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

“Everyone Is a Little Dyslexic” - Why This Myth Is Harmful

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/fan_mail/new] Have you ever heard someone say “everyone is a little dyslexic”? For many dyslexic individuals, this phrase minimizes the real challenges that come with a dyslexic brain — challenges like spelling, word retrieval, working memory, rapid naming, and executive functioning. But here's the deeper issue: society often only uses this phrase when referring to dyslexia’s difficulties, not the abilities that can come with dyslexic thinking. In this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, we explore: * Why the phrase “everyone is a little dyslexic” can be misleading * The difference between dyslexic challenges and dyslexic abilities * How dyslexic brains excel at big-picture thinking, pattern recognition, and rapid problem-solving * Research describing languishing vs. thriving dyslexic identities * How mindset influences whether dyslexic individuals struggle or thrive Dyslexia is not simply a list of deficits. It is a different way the brain processes information, one that can come with both real challenges and powerful abilities. The question becomes:  Will you focus only on the challenges, or learn how to access what your brain does best? This episode invites dyslexic individuals, educators, parents, and anyone interested in neurodiversity to rethink what dyslexia really means. If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe and share to help change the story around dyslexia.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/support] Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.

Do Dyslexics Show More Facial Expressions? Research Says Yes

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/fan_mail/new] Do dyslexic individuals show more facial expressions and emotional reactions? Some research suggests they might. In this episode, we explore studies showing that dyslexic individuals may have a stronger emotional response to visual stimuli, which can be seen through facial expressions, heart rate, and the body’s sympathetic nervous system. This means dyslexics may naturally express emotions more openly on their faces, making their reactions easier to read during conversations or emotional moments. In this episode, we discuss: Why dyslexic individuals may show stronger facial expressiveness How emotional processing and visual stimuli influence reactions Why dyslexia and autism can show different emotional expression patterns The strengths and challenges of being emotionally expressive Why research findings don’t apply to every dyslexic individual Facial expressiveness can make dyslexics powerful communicators, but it can also lead to misunderstandings when others interpret expressions incorrectly. If you’re dyslexic, you might recognize this experience — your face showing exactly what you're thinking or feeling before you even say a word. 👍 If this episode resonates with you, like and subscribe to help others better understand the dyslexic brain and the many ways neurodiversity shows up in everyday life. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551468/support] Thank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference. If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic.  To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com  Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-online Enrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programs Or connect with her directly, email her at connect@CarleenRoss.com.