Raising understanding and awareness of dyslexia has been a lifelong mission for Elizabeth Wilkinson MBE, founder of The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant. Having grown up with first-hand experience of neurodiversity and later trying to understand it for her son, Elizabeth now proudly dedicates her time to empowering others with Specific Learning Differences / Neurodiversity. Driven by her passion for empowering people and creating a more neurodiverse and dyslexia-friendly world, she has found that meaningful connections through networking have played a vital role in her journey.
How networking supports dyslexia awareness
As part of Shropshire Chamber’s campaign, The Connect Effect, which highlights the enduring value of networking, we explored how these connections have become a crucial source of support for Elizabeth and her work.
“Networking gave my mission a voice. People don’t just meet me; they learn about dyslexia differently,” Elizabeth expressed.
Networking has been especially transformative for her two nonprofit events. Once people realised these weren’t tied to promoting her business but existed solely to raise awareness of neurodiversity, the networking community rallied behind her. Members displayed posters, spread the word, and helped boost attendance purely because they believed in the cause.
Sponsors for the Dyslexia Awards have also come directly through networking. The more Elizabeth invested in relationship building and simply talking about dyslexia, the more members became advocates for inclusion and wanted to support her work.
Changing perceptions of dyslexia through networking
Many people only see dyslexia through a narrow lens, often associating it with reading difficulties or academic challenges. Networking gave Elizabeth a platform to demonstrate that neurodivergent people are an untapped pool of talent.
“It’s not all about supporting neurodivergent employees, but about recognising their unique strengths and the business value they bring.”
She often finds that when opening up about her own neurodivergence, she creates an open space for others to speak proudly about theirs - “you can instantly see their shoulders relax once they know I’m neurodivergent too”.
Unexpected places valuable connections arose
A moment which stood out for Elizabeth was serving as a judge for the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards; something that unexpectedly became one of her most meaningful networking experiences.
During the judging process, one of her fellow judges noticed the way she used coloured pencils to code information and make notes as she read through the entries. Later, they told her that the reason it caught their attention was because their daughter studies in exactly the same way. They were delighted to go home that evening and tell their daughter that a judge on the panel works just like she does and that it was “proof that grown-ups in the world of work, work like this too”.
For Elizabeth, this moment of helping a young person feel seen was a valuable connection in itself. The experience also sparked a strong bond between the judging panel.
The impact of winning Shropshire Chamber Business Awards
Winning Business in the Community and The John Clayton Award became significant milestones. The Business in the Community award entry was submitted just 15 minutes before the deadline.
Elizabeth said, “Once I got started, I felt like all these positive things were spilling out of me onto the form!”
She went on to say, “We don’t often focus on the things we do well and achieve. The Chamber Business Awards process makes you do that; and that’s actually a really worthwhile exercise in itself!”
Having no idea she had been nominated for The John Clayton Award (2024), which holds a deeply personal place in her heart, it was an especially emotional moment when she realised, she was the recipient. “I was literally shaking as my name was called…”
Both awards gave her powerful profile-raising visibility and reinforced the value of her decades of work, tireless advocacy and philanthropy.
Is networking clicky?
There is a common assumption that networking can sometimes appear clicky, even putting people off attending.
“I feel it often depends on how you approach it; groups only feel closed off if you stand on the edges. Approaching people, joining conversations, and showing interest removes that barrier.”
Elizabeth makes a conscious effort to welcome newcomers, helping ensure no one feels like an outsider.
Advice for newcomers
In addition to overcoming the ‘clicky’ rumours, Elizabeth shares more advice for anyone wanting to reap the benefits of networking:
- Be prepared to introduce yourself
- Arrive early if crowds overwhelm you
- Tell staff at Shropshire Chamber events if you have specific needs – they’re more than happy to accommodate
- Be yourself, be genuine, and treat others how you want to be treated
- Let people know what you need, want, or are looking for; as well as what you can offer, create, or contribute
Elizabeth works with organisations and self‑employed professionals who want to build neuroinclusive workplaces or access specialist neurodiversity support. To enquire about training or workplace services, visit: https://theddc.org.uk/contact/.
Shropshire Chamber offers a wide range of networking opportunities designed for all preferences. If you’re unsure where to start, would like to buddy up with someone, or simply want to learn more about what’s available and how it could open doors for your business, get in touch at
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