Mark Stoddart

Mark Stoddart, International Designer and Dyslexia Advocate is a prominent figure in the world of design. He combines creative talent with a commitment to fostering inclusivity. With a stellar career in international design, Mark has channeled his expertise and influence into making a significant impact on the lives of individuals with dyslexia, helping numerous charities throughout the past 30+ years.

Mark’s first publication, Making a Mark! “Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari,” which he co-wrote with Katrin McElderry, Director of Outreach and Language Teacher at the Odyssey School, Maryland, USA; is a perfect example of his dedication to neurodiversity. The narrative of “Making A Mark” follows the journey of Mark, a young boy facing neurodiverse challenges who, like many others, realises he possesses unique learning abilities. Mark's drive and inspiration for creating the book, along with his co-author, stemmed from his desire to cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic society, particularly for individuals with neurodiverse traits, as his own experiences growing up with neurodiverse issues were incredibly challenging, which is shown throughout the book. This coupled with Katrin’s experience, her insights from an educational perspective and approachable writing style ensured an engaging and thought-provoking result. Mark hopes to empower and educate children, parents and their teachers about neurodiversity and encourage them to embrace their unique creativity and strengths, in the hope they will not endure the challenges that he faced whilst growing up and the impact from a mental health perspective he endured.

As well as championing his book, Mark is also actively involved in neurodiverse organisations worldwide including the Bali Dyslexia Foundation, where he has personally funded the build of the only Dyslexic and Neurodiverse school in Indonesia, which is also Carbon Neutral reducing its environmental impact. Mark passionately supports initiatives providing essential resources and opportunities for dyslexic individuals in Bali, Indonesia and beyond. In addition to his work in Bali, Mark is an ambassador for Dyslexia KENYA Organisation Kenya and Dyslexia Scotland, where he dedicates his time and expertise to raising awareness and advocating for improved support structures for neurodiverse individuals across the region. Mark has also self-funded the build of the RareGem Talent School in Kenya, the first neurodiverse school in Kenya that supports education and empowerment for those who are in communities where educational resources may be limited. Mark is personally financing inclusive classrooms tailored for neurodiverse students, along with training programs for teachers in public schools in Kenya. He firmly advocates for inclusive settings in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and society, ensuring equal opportunities for all children.

Beyond his impressive work with neurodiverse charities, Mark is an established and renowned international sculptor and designer. His work has left an indelible mark on the global design landscape. His innovative creations not only captivate the eye but also reflect his deep appreciation for aesthetics and functionality. Over the years, Mark’s design journey has received various accolades and recognition. Mark’s bestselling pieces are his unique bronze sculptures of wild animals, inspired by his travels in Africa & India, including the Hippopotamus, Tiger, Baby Elephant, and Rhinoceros.

Mark's multifaceted journey, as both an accomplished international artist and a dedicated dyslexia advocate, embodies the spirit of turning challenges into opportunities. He stands as an inspiration to many, a symbol of creativity, resilience, and a firm belief that every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the potential to leave an indelible mark on the world.

For further insight into Mark Stoddart's life and past experiences, delve into Mark's journey below.

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EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE

My journey began in the 1970s, a time fraught with misunderstandings and limited awareness about neurodiversity. It was an era where my challenges with dyslexia were just starting to surface, yet they would come to define much of my educational, personal and life experiences.

The first glimpse into the complexities of my neurodivergent journey occurred during an interview for admission to a school in Llandudno, Wales. Despite its non-academic focus, the headmaster's discerning eye noticed something beyond the norm. He delicately broached the topic of dyslexia, planting the seed of awareness in my family's mind.

However, during my time at preparatory school in Scotland, UK, the echoes of my struggles with dyslexia fell on deaf ears. Despite my father's attempts to advocate for my needs, the school remained obstinately dismissive, unwilling to acknowledge the broader spectrum of challenges I faced. Unfortunately, the school didn’t believe that Dyslexia existed at the time.

It was not until a family friend intervened, arranging for a child sociologist to conduct tests in the comfort of my own home, that the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The diagnosis of dyslexia didn’t make much difference at the time as I had already gone into my own shell. It was only when I started school in Sussex, England over two years later, that I began to understand why I had been struggling with basic social interactions and academic pursuits, validating the years of silent frustration.

Throughout my educational journey, I found myself grappling with reading, writing, arithmetic, concentration and coordination, I was trailing behind my peers as they advanced through the curriculum, and found myself held back a year. The once-promising avenues of sports and extracurricular activities became arenas of exclusion, where my coordination and skills were tested and found wanting.

Even the simple joys of childhood, like playing with toys or my choice to delay opening gifts until after Christmas morning, were tinged with the nuances of my neurodiversity. I sought solace in the meticulous organisation of my belongings, finding comfort in the orderliness of familiar routines.

Yet, amidst the struggles and setbacks, there were moments of profound resilience and hope. Despite the aversion to change and the overwhelming sensations of being in unfamiliar environments, I found the courage to confront the challenges head-on.

The decision to lay bare my experiences in "Making A Mark: Discovering the Power of Neurodiversity on a Learning Safari" was not an easy one. It required me to revisit moments of vulnerability and pain, confronting the stigma and misconceptions that often shroud neurodiversity. Through the process of the book, I gradually came to the realisation that I might also be dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and perhaps Asperger's or Autism. This new insight has helped to shed light on numerous aspects of my past. It is my hope that the book combined with the wealth of information available now and the awareness I am trying to create, will offer similar lightbulb moments to individuals living with different neurodiverse conditions, as well as family members, teachers and others that are in a position to provide help and guidance. In the 1970’s, they said I was solely dyslexic, but I had other neurodiverse conditions I was struggling with as well; Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia. For the purpose of “Making A Mark,” different characters were introduced with each of the conditions, to make it clearer for the reader to distinguish between the different traits, however just like me it is not uncommon for individuals to live with multiple conditions. All of the above can have a profound impact on one’s mental health, not just at the time but throughout your life.

The process of digging deep into my past and peeling back the layers of adversity enabled me to discover a deeper purpose – to shine a beacon of hope for neurodiverse individuals around the world. Through the pages of "Making A Mark,” I strive to offer a glimpse into the lived experiences of neurodiversity, fostering empathy and understanding in a world that often misunderstands.

My hope is that "Making A Mark" will be a catalyst for change, igniting conversations and challenging societal norms. By shedding light on the complexities of neurodiversity, I aspire to pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity.

For every neurodiverse individual who has felt unseen or unheard, "Making A Mark" is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of embracing one's unique journey. Together, we can create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated, not stigmatised, and every voice has the power to make a mark.