Primary school had always been a struggle for Kaitlyn Evans.
The 12-year-old behaved in ways that alarmed her teachers and parents, and no-one could pinpoint why, and she faced regular confidence-shattering criticism.
One teacher even told Kaitlyn that her family didn’t love her because of the way she behaved.
Fast forward to an eventual diagnosis of dyslexia and everything suddenly made sense.
A diagnosis provided much needed answers
Kaitlyn’s letter for Red Letter Day aims to help teachers and children understand dyslexia better. Image: YouTube
The Melbourne pre-teen is now reaching out to help other children who might be struggling like she was. In a bid to raise awareness she has written an emotional note about the condition for Red Letter Day.
The initiative aims to influence change in the awareness and support of people with dyslexia.
The schoolgirl wrote, “When I started school it was a bright and happy place, but as time went on school got harder and harder, and I didn’t know why.”
Kaitlyn hopes no other child will face what she had to by sharing her own story. Image: YouTube
Constant criticism was affecting the schoolgirl’s confidence
“I was told ‘I’m lazy, I’m not good enough, I’m dumb and I need to work harder’.
“I thought it was true, so I started calling myself these awful things.”
Taken her campaign to raise awareness one step further, Kaitlyn has also created a YouTube video that she hopes will push her heartfelt message further.
Kaitlyn’s on a mission
The resilient young girl she says she hopes no other children will be judged like she was, imploring “Education Ministers around the country to start listening”.
“At first I was ashamed and I didn’t know what it meant,” she says, “but now I realise it makes me special - it makes me, me.”
Red Letter Day, an initiative to help raise awareness about dyslexia runs until October 22.
