In a world where mainstream education often overlooks the unique needs of children like her, Mila Smith stands tall as a shining example of resilience and creativity. At just twelve years old, Mila hails from Trinidad and Tobago, where she attends Dunross Preparatory School. But her journey is anything but ordinary.
Diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD at the tender age of seven, Mila faced a daunting road ahead. Frustration and despondency clouded her path, as she navigated a school system ill-equipped to support her learning differences. Yet, amidst the challenges, there emerged a glimmer of hope – a beacon of light in the form of unwavering support and encouragement.
Enter Mila’s mentor and confidante, whose steadfast guidance helped her see beyond her struggles. Together, they embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery, culminating in the creation of “This is Mila” – a remarkable testament to her indomitable spirit.
At just eight years old, Mila began penning her story, and by ten, she proudly became a self-published author. “This is Mila” is more than just a book; it’s a beacon of hope for children facing similar challenges. With its vibrant illustrations and dyslexia-friendly font, the book embodies Mila’s vision of inclusivity and accessibility.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Mila’s journey is the newfound confidence it has instilled in her. Through her book, she not only empowers herself but also extends a hand of solidarity to others walking a similar path. “This is Mila” serves as a reminder that amidst the struggles, there lies a treasure trove of unique qualities waiting to be celebrated.
Let’s take a glimpse of Mila’s remarkable story – a tale of triumph over adversity, resilience in the face of challenges, and the boundless power of creativity.
Mila’s Story
Mila was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was seven years old. She was incredibly frustrated and down about her learning challenges, especially in a school system that didn’t cater to kids like her. To help Mila cope I continually reminded her to focus on all the things that make her awesome and unique. And together, we made a list of those qualities. From that list, “This is Mila” was born! When Mila was eight, she began writing the book, and by ten, she was officially a self-published author!
When brainstorming ideas for the book, Mila and I didn’t want the story to be overwhelming. We wanted to make it accessible for everyone. As a result, the book is short and easy to read with fun bright illustrations and a font designed especially for kids with dyslexia.
An added bonus of bringing this book to life is that it’s built-up Mila’s confidence in a whole new way and it continues to help her push through struggles as they arise. She hopes the book will let other kids know that they’re not alone in their struggles and they have other awesome qualities that make them who they are.
Book Bio: “This is Mila” is a true story about a little girl who struggles to read and write. Instead of focusing on this difference, Mila, the author and main character of the book, channels her energy into all of her special and amazing qualities. She has written this book for kids who are going through similar challenges.
Mila Smith | Special Needs: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADHD | Age: 12 | Location: Trinidad and Tobago | School: Dunross Preparatory School | Title of Work: This is Mila
Sarah, Duchess of York, holds “This is Mila,” a heartwarming tale written by Mila Smith, a young author with dyslexia
Thank you so much for this beautiful write up. This whole thing just goes to show how these kids are so much more than this diagnosis. If Mila can make just one kid realise this then she has made a huge difference this world.
Mila is my grand niece. A fantastic young lady