The Advantages of Being Dyslexic
When someone mentions the word
“Dyslexia” people usually think of someone who finds it
hard to read and spell, reverses their letters, are
disorganised or forgetful. What they don’t think about are
the advantages that dyslexics have over non-dyslexics
Specific Strengths
Research has highlighted some
positive aspects to being dyslexic:
- Great at visual thinking-
thinking in pictures
- Fast problem solvers, able
to think laterally
- Excellent trouble-shooters
- They are intuitive- good at
reading people
- Verbally articulate- great
communicators
- Creative- so many dyslexics
are employed as designers, artists, actors, chefs
- Spatially talented many
dyslexics are employed as engineers, architects,
designers, artists, mathematicians, physicists,
physicians (esp. Surgeons and orthopaedists), and
dentists.
- Dyslexic people frequently
enjoy above average physical co-ordination skills
Dyslexia is not a Result
of low Intelligence
Dyslexia is the result of a
neurological difference; however it is not an intellectual
disability. Dyslexia occurs at all levels of intelligence,
average, above average, and highly gifted. It is most
commonly characterised by difficulties with learning to
read, write and spell and one of the biggest barriers to a
dyslexic child becoming successful when they leave school
is the lack of confidence that has built up through being
told that they are lazy, a day dreamer, careless. They lose
self esteem through failing tests that depend so heavily on
the ability to read and spell.
Famous People who are
Dyslexic
There is no cure for dyslexia
however, with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate help,
so much can be done to significantly improve reading,
spelling and writing ability and to provide strategies to
help a dyslexic person cope well at home, school, further
education or at work. A dyslexic person can live a
rewarding life and enjoy a successful career, just like a
non-dyslexic person.
There are thousands of examples
of well-known dyslexic people who have achieved this,
including:
Albert Einstein
- He could not talk until the age of four and did not learn
to read until he was nine. His teachers considered him
slow, unsociable and a dreamer.
Richard
Branson-School was a nightmare for
him. His dyslexia embarrassed him and he was sure he failed
the standard Intelligence tests. However what the tests
didn’t measure was Richard’s passion and ambition, his
ability to connect with people and encourage them to chase
their dreams.
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