At the end of last week, one of my writing mentors posted that he struggled with dyslexia. His post was not bemoaning the learning challenges he faced but rather celebrated the strengths that tend to accompany the learning disorder. This inspired me to dig deeper into the topic. Although I taught for over 23 years, I had limited training on the topic. I realized that I possibly am on the low end of a form of dyslexia given my difficulties with spelling.
Dyslexia is one of three specific learning disorders listed in the DSM-5. It is a common learning disability that is addressed in schools with extra support from special education teachers. Check out this link.
When I started teaching, dyslexia followed a student like a dark cloud. Consequently, people were afraid to admit to their learning challenges. Now, given all the better understanding, research and new strategies in helping those cope with the learning disorder, there isn’t the stigma or the mystery around dyslexia. In addition, what has helped is that more and more people don’t feel alone and are sharing their dyslexia struggles.
The following articles highlight some of the strengths of those coping with dyslexia are:
- Great memory for story
- Creativity
- Spatial Reasoning
- Interconnected Reasoning – connecting the dots
- Like Fluid and Dynamic Settings
- Empathetic
I urge you to look at these insightful articles. Sure the learning issues that come with dyslexia can be difficult, however, they also have many gifts to share! Let’s all get better at focusing on the positive and strengths.
Quick Take Away Links
Spelling and Dyslexia:
- https://www.readandspell.com/spelling-difficulties
- https://www.readingrockets.org/article/spelling-and-dyslexia
- https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexic-advantage-in-wired-magazine/
- https://www.dyslexia.com/about-dyslexia/dyslexic-talents/dyslexia-8-basic-abilities/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/neurodiverse-age/201909/the-positives-dyslexia?amp
