In Our Own Words | Thea Conley

The concept for In Our Own Words came to author Thea Conley when her teacher asked her to reflect on her own journey as a dyslexic learner. For Thea, her experience was confusing, challenging, and often lonely. She asked herself the question - do other dyslexics feel the same way?

Conley spent the following months researching dyslexia, and reaching out to fellow dyslexics. After a series of interviews, she decided that the best way to build the community of a shared experience was to author the book you are now holding.

In Our Own Words is an effort to end the stigma around dyslexia. It is an effort to ask critical questions of systems and institutions. It is an effort to bring people together.

As you read, you will find stories from dyslexics across many ages and demographics. You will also find academic research to help you better understand dyslexia - whether you are dyslexic or not!

Empathy and understanding.

That is what In Our Own Words is about.  

About the Author

Thea (Tay-ya) Conley is a 16-year-old high school student who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her mom, dad, and brother. 

She loves staying busy by playing sports and being active in her free time. She is a hockey player, a cross-country runner, and a highland dancer. She is very involved in her school community through volunteer work and her school's leadership team. Thea is also a member of the Manitoba Student Advisory Council. 

Thea has dyslexia and wrote this book to empower all dyslexics to embrace their neurodiversity.