The "go-to" book about dyslexia has been written by a specialist in the field.

Mike Styles, from Paraparaumu, said the aim of Congratulations – You Have Dyslexia! Great Minds Think Differently was to change people's mindsets about the learning disorder.

"Many people think that if you can't read, write or spell well you must be a bit thick – but you aren't – there are literally thousands of examples worldwide of very intelligent people who struggled.

"Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Richard Branson, and John Britten have all been successful for a reason.

Styles used to be a school teacher before focusing on low adult literacy and numeracy, then immersing himself in the dyslexia world for the last 12 years.

"I have been lucky to get involved with some research [dyslexia] projects and have reported the findings of those in conferences around the world.

"That has led me to this stage where I thought it was about time I wrote a book about it."

Styles was "very happy" with the book and praised editor/designer Pat Sandbrook for "turning my average words into something a bit better".

"The vision is that the book will be the go-to authority for anyone linked to dyslexia wanting some advice and support."