A Haverfordwest woman who struggled with dyslexia throughout her childhood and teens is launching her first book at Victoria Book shop this Saturday, July 4.

Alais Winton was diagnosed with dyslexia during her second year in university. In school she struggled with reading and writing still remembers being made to stand on her chair for an hour in junior school as a punishment for doing badly in a spelling test.

Decades later Alais went on to become a successful lecturer at Pembrokeshire College, even teaching teachers on the college’s PGCE.

Her book, The Self Help Guide for Teens with Dyslexia; Useful Stuff You May Not Learn at School, was published on June 21.

The 128 page paperback showcases a collection of tried and tested learning strategies aimed at young people dealing with dyslexia. Among other techniques Alais uses to learn effectively are mind mapping, colour coding and pictographic references.

“These are strategies that I have picked up over the last 20 years,” said Alais. “Because I’m dyslexic myself, because I’m a teacher and because I love learning I have changed my strategies on how I deal with things like exams. It has really helped lower my stress levels.

The book took 18 months to write and was snapped up by Jessica Kingsley Publishers last October. The font used throughout the book is dyslexia-friendly with large type.

“It was really exciting to see it in print, said Alais. “It’s taken a long time for it to happen but all the hard work has been worth it. It’s fantastic. I hope it will help a lot of people.”

Alais will be signing copies of her book at Victoria Bookshop, Haverfordwest, between 11am and 1pm on Saturday. To pre-order a copy ring Victoria Bookshop on 01437 762750.