An Outaouais driver who has been immersed in motorsports since the age of 12 knocked on the door of the prestigious NASCAR series while studying mechanical engineering and computer technology even as she struggled with a speech disorder (LDD), formerly called dysphasia became.
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When Marie-Soleil Labelle began recreational go-karting with her father, Marie-Soleil Labelle did not know that she had a speech disorder (LDD). She received the diagnosis in secondary school 3, which enabled her to seek help. She was also diagnosed with dyslexia.
“Before the diagnosis, I didn’t have the tools I needed,” she says. At the age of 14, I was given the resources to help me. To help people in my situation, I am a spokesperson for the TDL Québec group. I want young people who have the same disorder as me to believe in themselves and their dreams. Just because you have a small difference doesn’t mean you can’t achieve big things.”
No reason to be ashamed
“At first I was ashamed and didn’t want to say it,” the 19-year-old pilot continues. I integrate my disorder into my everyday life every day. I knew I had a problem that would always be there, but I didn't want to define myself as just a person with a speech impediment.
After discovering karting, Labelle started racing at the age of 14 and owned her own car a year later.
Last summer she raced in the Nissan Sentra series. She was hooked after watching the television show La dérape.
“Box box”, back to the box
Communication between driver and team is crucial in motorsport and we had to develop a few things that take Labelle's condition into account. TDL is a parallel language, which can cause confusion when interchanged.
“At first I tried to make sentences, but we adapted by focusing on key words,” she explains. If the mechanic tells me “box box,” that means I have to pit. I sometimes have problems with syntax and the meaning of sentences doesn't always work. Occasionally I also have my own vocabulary. When I was younger, I didn't say, “Turn off the lights,” I said, “Turn off the lights.”
Share your experience
“When I started the race I didn’t want to speak on the microphone and hid in the caravan. Now I'm basically running around giving interviews. I was really embarrassed and didn't talk much, but sport allowed me to unburden myself. Motorsport gave me self-confidence and allowed me to grow as a person.”
She confidently shares her experiences when the opportunity arises.
“I can inspire people and that's why I share my story. I talk to young people, but also to parents, about how important it is to take good care of their children. Parents have to be resilient because the path is more difficult. Having the opportunity to inspire people with a disorder and highlight that passions and sport can change the course of a destiny is a valuable opportunity.
A double high school diploma
After graduating from high school, Labelle skipped CEGEP to enroll at the University of Ottawa, where she began a double bachelor's degree that she will complete within three or four years.
“I realized that TDL is not reputable and that others are successful. My journey is much longer than that of a normal student and I have to make more sacrifices, but it is not the end of the world. It's just a different journey. At the end of my studies I will be very proud.”
At the University of Ottawa, Labelle will receive the help she needs to succeed.
“There is a person who takes my notes, and I also have the right to the teacher's notes,” she explains. It takes a long time to read and understand the questions. So I need more time.”
A father who is always present
If Labelle can count on help at school, she counts on a solid ally in her daily life.
“My father told me that he would always accompany me,” she admits. Since I can't do everything on my own, my father is never too far away to help and support me. Motorsport is not my father's passion. My dad isn’t a tank guy, but he’s retired and helps me out.”
What is TDL?
Developmental language disorder (DLD), formerly called dysphasia, is a neurological disorder. It is a disorder related to brain development. So it is present from birth and is permanent. It affects the understanding and/or expression of language. TDL manifests itself in attacks of different types and intensities. They have an impact on the proper functioning of oral and mostly written language (understanding sentences and texts, writing, etc.).
Sources: TDL Québec and CÉNOP