Orlando Bloom was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 7, a fact he tried to hide from his peers. He would often become frustrated and distractible in school because he felt stupid relative to his peers. Bloom also developed anxiety about reading aloud and would make up excuses to try to avoid it. But, overtime with lots of encouragement from his mom, teachers and directors, Bloom developed the confidence to pursue his dream of acting. In drama school, he learned tricks that helped him learn scripts, such as focusing on the thoughts rather than word for word recitation. Now, Orlando Bloom has a renowned career with notable roles in several movies including in the Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings franchises.

Bloom encourages parents of children with dyslexia to remind their children that their dyslexia does not stand in the way of their ability to achieve success. He also encourages dyslexic children to remember that everyone faces unique challenges and their dyslexia does not make them lesser than anyone else.

Read more about Bloom’s experience with dyslexia and his career.