A Redditch businessman is tackling common myths during Dyslexia Awareness Week (Monday, October 2 to Sunday, October 8) after refusing to let his diagnosis define him.

Elliot Robinson, aged 45, was told he had the neurological disorder at a very early age and estimates he now has the reading age of an 11-year-old and the spelling ability of an eight-year-old.

Despite some early struggles during school, Mr Robinson hasn’t let the diagnosis hold him back and has gone on to run a successful cleaning business.

He said: “Not everyone is lucky enough to receive a diagnosis early on and many grow up thinking and accepting the labels that have been unfairly placed on them.

“Knowing you are dyslexic is really important because it means that you know what you’re dealing with, and you can not only find help and support but come up with coping mechanisms that allow you to negotiate the challenges it puts in your way.”

Mr Robinson attended two schools, a special needs one in Castle Bromwich and a main state school, until the age of seven when he was sent to a specialised boarding school in Derbyshire.

He said the condition was misunderstood more than it is today, and his parents often feared for his future.

The father-of-two said: “Back then it wasn’t very well understood, and the teachers didn’t really know how to deal with me, which is why I ended up going to boarding school.

“These days more people are screened which has led to a big rise in diagnosis in adults and that’s down to improved technology, increased awareness, and better understanding.

“My mum and dad were worried that I wouldn’t have a proper future and they told me about the opportunity to take on a local oven cleaning franchise, Ovenu Solihull. I realised sometimes you must make things happen for yourself, so I decided to give it a try.”

Mr Robinson, who was raised in Solihull, has never looked back and now also advocates for those who get a later diagnosis particularly to dispel myths about dyslexia affecting intelligence.

He said: “There are positives as many dyslexic people excel in different areas such as problem-solving, creativity, big-picture thinking and making connections.

“I learnt to live with dyslexia years ago and haven’t allowed it to become a barrier to building a successful business. If I had known as a 16-year-old how far I would come in life, I think I’d have been quite impressed with myself.

“When people are diagnosed with dyslexia, it’s far from the end of the world. You can come through it with a bit of help, support and positivity.”

For more information visit www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/