I Am Happier Because of My Dyslexia and ADD Diagnosis

Dec 13, 2023

ADHD , dyslexia , neurodiversity

Mick Rigby is the founder and CEO of Yodel Mobile
Being diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia at the age of 54 was life-changing
We have therapists who specialise in ADD, ADHD and dyslexia – find them here

Mick Rigby is the founder and CEO of Yodel Mobile, an award-winning app marketing company. Married with children, he lives in Brighton. But 20 months ago, at the age of 54, he had the surprise of his life when he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD (attention deficit disorder). "I sat in my car afterwards and cried for about 20 minutes, thinking of all the things that might have been different."

The test came about because his son had, several years ago, been given a positive dyslexia diagnosis. He could see the similarities between the way both of them approached reading and writing, but took some time to investigate further. The news that he had dyslexia and was highly likely to have ADD was a shock, but on reflection Rigby is glad to know, as it helped explain the way his brain worked.

At school he had struggled with various tasks and once been investigated by an educational psychologist but without a definite answer. Once he entered work in advertising and marketing he found a place where his abilities were appreciated and he thrived.

This late-diagnosis, once absorbed, was a relief to Rigby as it helped him to understand challenges at work, and why he flourished when he set up his own companies, but less so when he worked for others. He now believes that his dyslexia and ADD are "superpowers" that enable him creatively.

"I am a happier person because of it. It explains why there are things that I'm not particularly good at and have been ridiculed for.

He does not need to take medication for ADD. As someone who had previously struggled with depressive tendencies, he is happy to no longer shame and blame himself in the way he did before he knew about his neurodiversity.