What understanding looks like
For Dyslexia Awareness Month, SensAble Child invited students and professionals who work with children to show, in one hand-drawn piece, what a child with a learning difference experiences, the strengths they carry, and what changes when someone understands them. These are the 15 finalists chosen by our jury.
The results are out! Voting has closed. Meet the 10 winners of Draw the Difference 2026, chosen by public vote and by our jury.
See the winnersThe Hardest battle often happen silently
Anchal Prakash · Student, Occupational Therapy
It represents the struggles and hidden potential of a child with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). The dark side represents the challenges faced by children with SLD. It symbolises difficulties with reading, writing, mathematics and the reaching hands represent the pressure, fear and criticism the children face from the society. The bright side represents the child’s interest, strength and abilities beyond academics.This side highlights that children with SLD can have unique talents and potential to succeed when given the right support and opportunities.
Beyond the lines – A world of different minds
Athira R Nair · Speech-Language Pathologist
Every child sees, feels, and experiences learning differently. While letters may appear tangled, words may seem confusing, and mistakes may bring frustration, a child's imagination remains limitless. This artwork portrays the contrast between the struggles a child with dyslexia may face in traditional learning environments and the colourful world of creativity, curiosity, and possibility within them. It reminds us that difficulty with reading or writing does not mean difficulty with thinking, dreaming, or achieving. Sometimes, we simply need to see the world through their eyes.
The Door I’m Afraid to Open — A Story of Dyslexia
Gulafsha Nisar Shaikh · Special Educator
The Door I’m Afraid to Open — A Story of Dyslexia Let me tell you her story. I am Dyslexia, hidden inside her. I am always there, even when nobody can see me. Sometimes, I make simple things challenging for her. Even buttoning her shirt in the correct order can be difficult. When she writes, her handwriting looks different. She has her own font, her own way of expressing herself, but the world expects her to write just like everyone else. In the classroom, she is often misunderstood. While the teacher explains the lesson, she gets lost in her own world of imagination as she tries to understand the multiplication tables. People think she isn't paying attention, but nobody knows how hard she is trying. Whenever she opens a book, the letters seem to dance before her eyes. The words become confusing, and the lines are difficult to follow. How can she read easily when reading feels like chasing dancing letters? It's not her fault, but why does she always have to prove herself? Even tying her shoelaces becomes a challenge. Something that looks so simple to others can take extra time for her. Yet people judge her before they try to understand her. After facing so many challenges, she begins to realise that she learns differently. She discovers me — Dyslexia. But there is one little irony: even when she tries to write my name, she struggles with the spelling. Still, she never stops trying. One day, she opens a door. On the other side, she sees a world full of expectations and judgments. The numbers, equations, and school subjects that once seemed ordinary now appear like monsters ready to frighten her. The voices around her whisper, “She is too slow.” “She cannot do it.” She wants to step outside and show the world who she really is. But she hesitates. She stands at the doorway, wondering whether the world will accept her or judge her again. Everyone is running a race for marks, grades, and success. But who will pause to understand a child who learns differently? I am Dyslexia. I may make reading, spelling, and writing more challenging for her, but I cannot measure her intelligence, imagination, creativity, or potential. She doesn't need to become like everyone else. She needs patience, understanding, and the opportunity to learn in her own way. The door is open, but she is still waiting — not for the world to change her, but for the world to understand her. Stop judging. Start understanding. Every mind learns differently.
See the child,Not the difficulty
Logadas K · Physiotherapist
The Moment I Understood This drawing portrays the journey from misunderstanding to empathy towards children with dyslexia. The grey side represents the struggles and unfair judgments they face, while the colourful mirror reveals their individuality, imagination, and potential. The supportive adult symbolises the power of patience, encouragement, and understanding. The growing plant represents how the right support helps a child flourish. Every child learns differently, and difficulty in reading does not define their intelligence or worth. When we stop judging and start understanding, we open the door to confidence, growth, and opportunity.
Dekho Unki Nazar Se (See the World Through Their Eyes)
Mansi R Mehta · Student, Speech-Language Pathology / Physiotherapy
🎨 Through Their Eyes: Har Bachcha Khaas Hota Hai! 🌈 Inspired by the beautiful message of Taare Zameen Par, my artwork reflects the world of a child with dyslexia—a world where letters may get tangled, words may seem confusing, and learning may feel like solving an endless puzzle. But look beyond those puzzles, and you will discover a universe filled with imagination, creativity, colours, and extraordinary possibilities. As a budding paediatric physiotherapist, I believe that every child has a unique way of learning, growing, and expressing themselves. Our responsibility is not to compare children or force them to fit into the same mould, but to understand their individual needs, recognise their strengths, and help them discover their potential. Just as every star shines differently in the sky, every child has something special to offer. Dyslexia is not a disability of dreams, nor a limitation of intelligence; it is a reminder that not every mind learns in the same way. Sometimes, a child doesn’t need someone to correct them—they need someone to understand them, believe in them, and help them shine. Because every Ishaan deserves an inspiring teacher, an understanding world, and the freedom to be themselves. “Har bachcha ek taara hai… bas zaroorat hai uski roshni ko pehchaanne ki.” ✨
A Thousands of dreams beyond a thousands of struggles
Maria Ruth M · Student, Psychology / Counselling
My artwork represents the theme "Different; Not Less" through the contrasting worlds of struggle and possibility. The black-and-white side symbolises the difficulties faced by individuals with learning differences, while the colourful side represents their creativity, aspirations, and unlimited potential. The girl at the centre connects these two worlds, reminding us that a learning difficulty is only one part of a person’s story. Every individual learns differently, thinks differently, and expresses themselves differently. They may need a different path, but that does not make their destination any less meaningful. Through this artwork, I want to convey that being different is not being deficient; it is being uniquely capable.
Beyond the Letters, a Universe of Possibilities
Mona Vachhani · Physiotherapist
“He struggled with letters, not with dreams.” To others, he was just a child struggling to read, surrounded by letters that seemed difficult to understand. But behind his frustration was a mind full of colours, curiosity, imagination, and endless possibilities. While the classroom saw his mistakes, there was an entire universe of ideas waiting to be discovered. His difficulties with words never made his dreams any smaller. Sometimes, we become so focused on what a child cannot do that we forget to see everything they can. He was never less. He simply needed to be understood differently.
A child's rank cannot define their potential
Priyadharshini N · Student, Speech-Language Pathology / Physiotherapy
Different, Not Less A child may struggle with reading and spelling, and their school grades may not reflect their true potential. But beyond the classroom, that same child may shine as a champion on the sports field. Dyslexia does not define a child's intelligence, talent, or future. Every child has unique strengths waiting to be discovered. Instead of judging children by their marks, let us encourage their abilities, support their dreams, and give them equal opportunities to succeed. Different abilities, equal worth, limitless possibilities.
Uniquely Wired, Equally Inspired
Priyanshi Niranjan Gaikwad · Student, Occupational Therapy
Every child is different , and that's what makes them special. Some find reading and writing difficult, while others express themselves through art , music, sports, or their imagination. Having dyslexia doesn't make anyone less intelligent or capable. Every child has their own strengths, dreams, and way of learning. Instead of comparing them with others, let's try to understand them, support them, and give them the confidence to shine in their own way. After all , being different never means being less.
Dyslexia – Different not less
Rasagnya Dharshanala · Student, Speech-Language Pathology / Physiotherapy
My drawing contrasts two experiences of dyslexia. The grey top half shows a child overwhelmed by scrambled letters, red-crossed work, and comments like "Try harder." The colourful lower half shows the same child thriving once someone says, "Show me how you see it," revealing strengths in art, music, and problem solving. This relates to my topic because dyslexia is a difference, not a deficit. Some children with dyslexia also have motor coordination, balance, or handwriting difficulties, so physiotherapists can offer strengths-based, play-oriented support alongside educators. The child didn't change; our understanding did.
Just beautifully unique
Rehea Delima · Student, Speech-Language Pathology / Physiotherapy
For some letters and numbers come naturally for others they twist, tangle and blur . Dyslexia may make learning a challenge but it is not a measure of someone's worth or potential. Being different is not a weakness it is a reminder that there is more than one way to see the world. Sometimes mind mind that sees a world differently can reveal Beauty others fail to see. Different not less. Just Beautifully Unique.
The gravity of dreams
Renu Kerketta · Professional
In a quiet classroom, a simple lesson like 4 + 4 = 8 is meant to be a straight line. But through the eyes of a child with dyslexia, letters and numbers refuse to sit flat on a page. They lift, they spin, and they catch the wind. This painting visualizes what that internal whirlwind feels like. It is not about a struggle to read; it is about a different way of dreaming. While the classroom demands order, the child’s mind breathes life into the ordinary. The word "APPLE" erupts into a vibrant vortex, unlocking a brilliant, non-linear universe of rockets, color, and imagination. The world is built for straight lines, which creates an everyday friction for these minds. This piece celebrates that friction—proving that a brain that struggles to follow a linear path is often the very one capable of building entirely new universes.
Being different is a gift — embrace your uniqueness
Shravani Pradeep Jadhav · Physiotherapist
Dyslexia ( different, not less ) Have you ever imagined knowing the answer but struggling to read the question? Imagine being called weak when your mind is simply learning differently. This is the battle many children with dyslexia face. My poster represents a world where letters seem scattered, words become difficult, but imagination has no limits. The galaxy represents the universe of possibilities inside every child. The face represents the silent struggles behind a smile, while Albert Einstein reminds us that brilliance can take many forms. Dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence ,it is a different way of processing language. A child who struggles to read today may become an artist, a scientist, an innovator, or a leader tomorrow. Instead of asking, why can't you learn like others? we should ask, How can I help you learn your way? Remember, everyone may not follow the same path but every path deserves respect. We are not less intelligent. We have unique paths, different strengths, and unlimited potential. Because being different is not a weakness; it is a gift waiting to be understood. A small poem – Words on paper spin and glide, Letters changing side to side. Though it’s hard to read out loud, I can stand up tall and proud. I am creative, smart, and strong, I know where my true talents belong. I see big ideas, I build, I create, My unique brain is truly great. So call me different, that is true, I see the world with a fresh new view. Not less in value, power, or grace A bright mind destined to make its space. Thank you .
Empathetic Earthlings
Sruthi R · Special Educator
Different but Not Less Behind every struggling child is a heart longing to be understood, encouraged, and loved. A parent’s unconditional love, attention and a special educator’s patience can help rebuild shattered confidence and awaken hidden talents. Like a butterfly spreading its wings, every child deserves the chance to grow, believe in themselves, and shine in their own beautiful way. They don’t need to be changed; they need to be understood, accepted, and given the opportunity to fly because ‘They are different… But not less…’
Dyslexia Awareness Month
V Archana · Occupational Therapist
Dyslexia Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about dyslexia, a learning difference that affects reading, spelling, writing, and language processing. Children with dyslexia may learn differently, but with the right support, patience, and encouragement, they can succeed in education and life. Teachers, parents, and communities play an important role in identifying learning needs early and providing inclusive learning opportunities. Let us spread awareness, break misconceptions, celebrate individual strengths, and create a supportive environment where every child can learn with confidence.
About Draw the Difference
Draw the Difference is SensAble Child’s national drawing contest for Dyslexia Awareness Month. Entrants chose one of three topics: Through Their Eyes, Different, Not Less, and The Moment I Understood. Every drawing here is original, hand-drawn work, shared with the artist’s permission.
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