
Unmasking Dyslexia
Unmasking Dyslexia is dedicated to redefining the narrative surrounding dyslexia by fostering social connection, enhancing well-being, and promoting understanding. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where individuals with dyslexia can build confidence, strengthen social skills, and engage meaningfully within their communities. Through education, advocacy, and connection-based programs, we aim to create supportive spaces where individuals with dyslexia can thrive — socially, emotionally, and personally.
Carleen's Journey to Dyslexia
In 2023, while traveling with her two sons, Carleen experienced a moment that would change her life. Their flight home was delayed, and she accidentally shared the wrong flight number with them. In the past, when she made mistakes like this, she would casually brush them off by saying, “I’m a little bit dyslexic, just undiagnosed.” But this time, her youngest son’s reaction stopped her in her tracks—he looked genuinely shocked.
That moment made her realize something profound: to truly understand herself, she needed to find out if she was, in fact, dyslexic.
Without hesitation, Carleen booked an appointment, completed the necessary testing, and received a diagnosis—mild dyslexia. For some, that might have been the end of the journey. But for Carleen, it was just the beginning.
With a strong academic background in the sciences, she immersed herself in research, only to discover that the common understanding of dyslexia barely scratched the surface. Society largely defines dyslexia as a learning difference related to literacy challenges. However, when looking beyond educational psychology, dyslexia emerges as a unique neurodivergent processing style that influences all aspects of life.
Determined to explore this further, Carleen shifted the focus of her MAPPCP degree toward understanding neurodiversity, with a particular emphasis on dyslexia. This led her to conduct scientific research on how adult female dyslexics perceive their social interactions and how these experiences shape their self-concept.
Her findings were eye-opening. Participants described their social interactions as either "safe" or "unsafe," depending on how others perceived their dyslexic traits. The significance of fostering safe interactions became even clearer when she uncovered troubling statistics: dyslexics are at a higher risk for suicidal ideation, with female dyslexics being six times more likely to attempt suicide than their male counterparts and twice as likely as neurotypical females. Additionally, dyslexic individuals report lower well-being, self-confidence, and self-identity than any other group.
Carleen’s research also identified a continuum of dyslexic identity, ranging from the Hidden Dyslexic to the Socially Described Dyslexic to the Empowered Dyslexic (see figure below). She firmly believes that society must support dyslexics in becoming Empowered Dyslexics, allowing them to fully embrace both the challenges and strengths of their unique cognitive processing style. By fostering self-awareness and acceptance, dyslexic individuals can improve their well-being, self-connection, and confidence—ultimately enriching the world with their distinctive ways of thinking.
Drawing from both her personal experience and academic research, she has dedicated a section of her business to reshaping the dialogue around dyslexia and making a meaningful impact.
Unmasking Dyslexia programs and initiatives:
• Social Skills & Confidence-Building Workshops: Interactive sessions designed to strengthen communication, develop social skills, and build self-esteem in a supportive environment.
• Educational Workshops & Training: Informative sessions for schools, families, and workplaces to promote understanding, empathy, and practical strategies for supporting dyslexic individuals.
• Advocacy & Awareness Campaigns: Community outreach and public awareness initiatives aimed at challenging stigma, reshaping perceptions, and celebrating the strengths of dyslexia.
• Well-Being Resources: Tailored support materials and activities designed to enhance the emotional and social well-being of dyslexic individuals.​
"Building Social Confidence" Workshop Series:
A practical, hands-on series designed for individuals with dyslexia to develop effective communication skills, manage social anxiety, and build lasting confidence. Activities include role-playing, storytelling, and peer collaboration exercises. Open to youth and adults.
"Dyslexia and You" Family Education Workshops:
Interactive workshops designed for parents, siblings, and caregivers to deepen their understanding of dyslexia, explore the emotional and social challenges, and learn strategies to support their loved ones.
"Creating Dyslexia-Inclusive Classrooms" Training:
A professional development session for educators, focusing on practical tools and inclusive practices to support dyslexic students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Workshop & Event Descriptions:
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can begin changing the dialogue around of Dyslexia, whether for yourself or your community.