Apprentice star Shazia Hussain reveals she struggled to read and write at school after undiagnosed learning disabilities
APPRENTICE star Shazia Hussain has revealed she struggled to read and write at school.
The technology recruiter from the BBC show described how she grew up in an deprived area of Yorkshire and had to struggle through lessons as her ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia went undiagnosed.
Shazia, who became the fifth candidate to be fired by Lord Sugar tonight, revealed that the misdiagnosis also impacted her confidence as she climbed the ladder in the early stages of her career.
She said: “I’m degree educated but my neurodiversity wasn’t picked up when I was younger because I came from an underprivileged area in Yorkshire.
Shazia, who also has a memory issue, added: “I went through my entire education without the diagnosis and the early part of my career, and this really impacted my confidence.
“I was struggling to read and write yet was never given the opportunity or support to learn in the right way for me.
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“We all learn differently and that’s ok. I believe that the correct environments need to be created where people with neurodiversity are supported, so that they can go off and fulfil their potential.
She continued: “We really do have a lot to offer, we can make valuable contributions into the corporate and business sector.”
It comes after the BBC show has reportedly been rocked by a race row after Shazia alleged she was racially abused.
A source close to the show has claimed that fellow contestant and candidate Mark Moseley was behind the alleged incident, which the source claims left Shazia ‘distressed’.
The 39-year-old pest control businessman was reportedly the subject of an investigation by show bosses after he was reported.
The source added that the alleged incident was caught on camera – but producers decided against broadcasting it.
When contacted by The Sun, a spokesperson for The Apprentice said: “The Apprentice has a zero tolerance on racist bullying.
“The duty of care and welfare of all candidates is of utmost importance and when action is required, we take it.
“All candidates sign up to a strict code of conduct and if there was evidence of racist bullying candidates would be immediately removed from the process. We take all complaints very seriously.”
Meanwhile, a show source told us: “All candidates receive training before they enter the process as part of established protocols. Top-up training also takes place during filming.”
The Sun has attempted to contact Mark but received no response from him at the time of publishing.
The Apprentice, Thursdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.