Dyslexia – 8 Basic Abilities
Antwerp Courthouse, designed by dyslexic architect Richard Rogers.
Usually when people hear the word dyslexia they think only of reading, writing, spelling, and math problems a child is having in school. Some associate it only with word and letter reversals, some only with slow learners. Almost everyone considers it some form of a learning disability, but the learning disability is only one face of dyslexia.
Once as a guest on a television show, I was asked about the “positive” side of dyslexia. As part of my answer, I listed a dozen or so famous dyslexics. The hostess of the show then commented, “Isn’t it amazing that all those people could be geniuses in spite of having dyslexia.”
She missed the point. Their genius didn’t occur in spite of their dyslexia, but because of it!
Having dyslexia won’t make every dyslexic a genius, but it is good for the self-esteem of all dyslexics to know their minds work in exactly the same way as the minds of great geniuses. It is also important for them to know that having a problem with reading, writing, spelling, or math doesn’t mean they are dumb or stupid. The same mental function that produces a genius can also produce those problems.
“Illumination”, sculpture by dyslexic artist Rebecca Kamen
The mental function that causes dyslexia is a gift in the truest sense of the word: a natural ability, a talent. It is something special that enhances the individual.
Dyslexics don’t all develop the same gifts, but they do have certain mental functions in common. Here are the basic abilities all dyslexics share:
- They can utilize the brain’s ability to alter and create perceptions (the primary ability).
- They are highly aware of the environment.
- They are more curious than average.
- They think mainly in pictures instead of words.
- They are highly intuitive and insightful.
- They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all the senses).
- They can experience thought as reality.
- They have vivid imaginations.
These eight basic abilities, if not suppressed, invalidated or destroyed by parents or the educational process, will result in two characteristics: higher than normal intelligence, and extraordinary creative abilities. From these the true gift of dyslexia can emerge — the gift of mastery.
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Well in my case my dyslexia was not caught in grade school. In 1st grade I remember when I was put in special reading and comprehending class. The worst feeling i ever felt at that time of my life. Was the overwhelming feeling that others had towards me when I was assigned to a special class with 6 other kids. I was only one from my class room. At that instance all I could feel was the other kids in my class room look at me as not normal person. Also was the last one left in class too when the others caught up and join their class room again. Still can remember at young age know what others thought of me without them even saying anything to me. I ask them why they thought this stuff about me. It would weird them out sometimes they would say how you know that. I wish I never lost that sense of other thought about me. I did it so I wouldnt feel like I wasnt normal for all I wanted was to be treated like I was normal. Only thing I sense now is if the person is good honest person or someone that would step on or over a person to benefit themself. Which is truely a bad trait to have as a person in my eyes. Well that said I had troubles threw out grade school with 5 years under my grade reading level. Bad spelling as well frightening oral reading when I was called to read out loud. Adding words that where not there. Totally couldn’t read some words that I knew what they where. Just couldn’t seem to say them. Always said I was not paying attention, day dreaming, not focusing in class. Low grades in most subjects but math which always got told was cheating or use calculator. For I always did work in head never showing my work. My self esteem is terrible even today at 43 years old. Hard to comprehend oral instructions. Which makes it hard to keep or get jobs. Biggest thing in work place I work hard but always over look or dont get credit for work I did. No encouragement from parents seem like they believe i couldn’t achieve anything. Could say well not no one fault how my life is but my own. Which is true for anyone. So not blaming anyone but myself. I think not one side of a situation but many sides if more then one person involved in the same situation or conflict. Maybe I am not normal. It fine in my eyes for I am who I am why should I have to change for others. To fit in a Society that dont except for what I am. I help others out without expecting anything in return. Which i get took advantage of a lot. Oh well just way it goes. Life not about money, items, it about being a human to others. Not getting what you want whatever it takes too get what you want even if it evil . Well enjoy my thoughts of being dyslexic. My experience with it might not be right but it made me who I am. Live love and enjoy life.
Hi Kevin, I grew up fairly neglected, i needed glasses and had asked my farther to get me tested because i had tried on my friends at school and i from that moment on knew i wasnt seeing properly, he ignored it and never got me tested, i got glasses at 19 when i was able to do it myself, i struggled to understand things socially, autism does occur in my family, along with adhd and depression, i needed help/guidance and someone to really talk to and help “show me the way” not to say my parents did not love me, i believe they truly did its just they had been struggling themselves so i try not to blame them anymore, i am almost 29 and for the last 20 years i had been failing to recognize just how hurt and miserable i was, only after acknowledging its existence could i move forward after that breakdown, in order for me to get better, i had to learn how to know how to get better and decided on spending a small amount of time every day to do some reading, writing, typing, etc. some of but not always all of them.
I have some really good family now, very supportive, i have become a bettter farther for my two kids from it and have really learnt how to let go of the hurt.
if you like using a computer i can recommend using a free typing practice to begin with 🙂
good luck friend 🙂
I didn’t find out I was dyslexic till I was college. I got by is school but picking it up all verbally. In class where the teacher would just write on chalkboard or use overhead projector I suffered the most. Taking notes was useless to me because I could read my notes.
In my college a instructor noticed and tested me. He was dyslexic as well. He promised to train me and told me by the end the semester I’d hate him. He was tough on me. I submit papers and he’d pick them apart. He taught me though to work through it what to watch for. How to learn in different way. I went from barely pass to the Deans Honor role. I stopped taking notes entirely, they were useless to me. I listened intently with near photographic memory of the verbal teaching. On instructor though I was day dreaming till I answer her question verbatim of what she over an hour ago.
In my work I see things that others can’t. I can visualize and network in my head from start to finish and pin point a problem with it or solution with ease. My coworkers can’t see that like I do. I might screw up a MAC address or IP address, have to watch for that but I can come up with solutions other over look.
It’s truly a gift which is what instructor told me way back.
What tips and tricks did your dyslexic teacher share with you? I was diagnose in college but did not get any accommodations or training.
I am 44 and was diagnosed in kindergarten (they caught me early, my older sister was in the 3rd grade so I was tested when they discovered her struggles). I am a product of a good school and support system catching it early (not always the case back in the early 80’s). From 4th grade on I became (and still am) an avid reader with an ability to publicly speak enthusiastically . My 17 year old daughter thinks my dyslexia is a super power because I can figure everything out in a movie or tv show within the first 10 minutes. Lol
My husband also thinks that I have an elf in my brain that can detect patterned sounds, such as: dripping water three stories up, someone’s carbonated drink not twisted shut all the way three seats over in the movie theatre, and that I have the olfactory senses of a blood hound when I had the city come out with their little air tester because I smelled natural gas (the tech was blown away that I could smell 0,03 ppm. I guess that’s not even enough to be considered a hazard).
I just hear, see, and smell differences in patterns. It doesn’t have to be in a familiar place. If something seems off in my peripheral my brain latches on to it until I can place it in the ‘this makes sense’ category. It makes me sound neurotic explaining it this way.
To regular people I just say “I have magic”.
And I wouldn’t change a single thing.
PS: I was also diagnosed with ADHD. I continue with behavioural therapy and see a psychiatrist every three months. There’s a lot I would love to share about the trials and successes of a business professional in her 40’s that can still manifest the stereotype of a kid that likes to climb walls and set things on fire (no I don’t set things on fire anymore, at least not on purpose. My husband still can’t figure out why I constantly try to heat up different things in the pop up toaster. Hey, it made sense at the time to try and warm up a chocolate cookie that way, and if I didn’t, would we not now know that they just melt?….but it’s a marathon for new acquaintances to follow along in a conversation with me if I’m excited, which is all the time) and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a verbal conversation.
Yes, I make mistakes because I struggle with the difficult task of controlling my impulsivity and pushing through lack of motivation, but I also know once I get started the end shows up so much faster than I expected.
So, my message to anyone who has ever felt bad or struggled…you have my love and support virtually and I want you to stop. feeling insecure and own it. It’s my super power, my parlour trick, and my comedy act. It feels good to make others laugh and bring joy to those around me by making fun of myself. It feels good to break through bad happens to accomplish goals. The support is out there. I lean on it. Hard. You can do it, too.
With all my ‘attention seeking self congratulatory talk I never showed my appreciation for this article/essay. It was a joy to read, and is very easy to understand so I will definitely share with family, friends and anytime the subject comes up with anyone who develops curiosity on the subject. Thank you!!!!
Also, if any future study is being done by anyone reading I will happily volunteer my time. I love a good clinical study.
Would you be open to sharing your tips on motivation for work? I get excited but run out of steam especially if there is repetition.
Great job bringing out dyslexic gifts and strengths. I was always put down for my strengths in everything except Math, English, Reading Comp. Yet I’m able to tell you about something with words and struggle with putting it on paper. I became an Army Combat Medical Sergeant and am going after my BSN in nursing! In your face all of those who put me down and others like me.
Hi,
Thank you for this article. It made me cry because it made me realize my gifts from being dyslexic and not just the obstacles it gives me. I grew up thinking I was stupid because I would read at a below-average rate. I can’t read a paragraph out loud without stumbling over my words. It is still to this day embarrassing (I am 24); I will always be insecure about my intelligence due to the bullying, but it made me stronger and more determined to work hard. I recently graduated from one of the top 4 Regional Universities North (East Coast of America) with a BA in advertising and public relations. I am slowly recognizing my potential, and this article really gave me a boost. It needs to be ingrained into children with dyslexia or any learning disabilities that they are more than capable of accomplishing their dreams if they 1. have the resources to get diagnosed and helped at a young age. 2. They need individual programs tailored to their form of learning. 3. Children and adults (including myself) have to put in the work to get help if they can. It is not easy living with a learning disability but it is not the worst thing ever either. Individuals must be grateful that they are gifted in other areas, that another person may not be. It is at the end of the day, how we perceive ourselves. Thanks again for this article. It will help many, as it certainly helped me.
Congratulations on earning your degree!
Your comment made me cry and it hit right at home! I have ADHD with dyslexia, I swear I felt all my life that I was dumb, teachers would put me through a wall because I will disrupt the class and they even made me repeat year because as I was good in some classes I was very bad at math so I couldn’t pass grade because of it. It just made me act up and become a revel because I was soooo miss understood and I was constantly sad because I will make my mom cry a lot. She will cry because I was not normal. A psychologist wrote that I needed neurological and electrocardiogram done because when I came to learning I was 8 and I would learn some stuff as if I was 5 but others as if I was 9. I also was very disorganized and this will frustrate my mom so much that will punish me for it. I found my school records yesterday and I swear I felt that all I did was failing. It made me cry sooo much. I didn’t realize it had affected me so much because it literally left me feeling like a loser and that I should receive love because I was dumb. Still that didn’t kept me from trying and today I hold 2 university degrees! One in Law with an specialty in notary law (literally 1 semester left on my masters in law) and I’m also an Interior Designer. (I never fulfilled my life dream of becoming a paleontologist but one of these days I’ll commit to it). I’m also an artist since I am a Professional Dancer and Instructor. Too all the people that bully me and told me I was dumb… well here you go, I was not dumb just miss understood and you are the dumb one cause now I hold several university titles and I do what I love which is being creative. Thank you!! It really made me push myself harder and made me stronger so thank you again!
Thank you for this article. The education system crushes dyslexic children. Focusing for years on something of so little importance as spelling as it is the only thing their peers can do. And using teachers so unable to push their real potential. Since dyslexic children have skills the teachers themselves can’t dream of.
The only plus is if you come through that system unscathed you can do anything…
As you can tell it had no effect on me!
Dr. Pagett,
At the age of 46 I have recently been diagnosed with severe dyslexia. Although I am an accomplished expert in my profession field, I have spelling intelligence scores of bottom 1%, reading intelligence scores of low average 42% (from a lifetime of hard work) on the opposite end “the gift” is real… I have a vocabulary intelligence score of 88%, composite intelligence score of 94% and a spacial & memory score of 99%. Again all of this is new as of 3 months now.
I am trying to find what Kent Sinclair describes as a “network and affinity group,” in my area.. all I can find are help and tutor groups. I don’t want help and surly don’t want a tutor. How can I find groups of other ultra high functional misfits like me?
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you, John
I have dyslexia. I have a hard time with spelling, but I learned to read strictly with word association. I learned the things words matched up to, and what that word looks like. Over time I have been able to match up parts of words, when I run across complicated words. Lol this seems to have helped me understand, what words I’m not familiar with actually mean, at a far above average level. Ha who would have guessed
I thought I would share my explanation on big picture thinking also. My take on it is image you see a man beating a woman, that makes you angry, but wait zoom out more and it’s part of a movie, so it’s not actually happening, then you zoom out more and it’s being made for a program for people convicted of domestic abuse, but then you zoom out more and realize it’s just something on the tv in a background of a movie. I find that most people that can spell also get caught on seeing the man beating up a female and are unwilling to look past something that actually means nothing in the big picture. That’s a frustrating issue I run into often. Not the domestic abuse situation but the people getting caught up in insignificant things.
My daughter is dyslexic and her early years in school were so frustrating for both of us. I knew she was having trouble with reading, writing, spelling, etc. I decided to teach her a love for reading through audio books. I went to the library and picked out good classic literature. In 7th grade she read tge unabridged Count if Monte Cristo- something like 1300 pages. She is a voracious reader and audio book listener. She graduated high school as salutatorian., graduated college with honors and just completed grad school with almost a 4.0. She is finishing up her field work right now and guess what her clinical instructor told her today…she needs to work on her spelling. Well, she’s going to be a FANTASTIC occupational therapist but the spelling will always be a struggle. Be encouraged! God has given gifts to every one of us! Discover them, embrace them and use them to make this world a better place!
I am reading all these commits and loving to hear you all succeed in your own way. My daughter four grade just was diagnosed with dyslexia a few weeks ago. Both her parents are teachers and we have helped her so much since PreK. Just hearing this we was in shock. How did we miss this? They said because we have helped her it took longer to see that she was plus the Covid years didn’t help this younger generation at all.
Thank you!!! I wish my mom would have done more loving stuff towards my mental problems. But I do agree it’s not impossible I have ADHD and dyslexia and I have 2 university titles and I did a specialization in on of them, I’m almost done my masters and also I became a great artist and instructor. I also graduated with honors in my second degree. For someone that was told as a child that was dumb I guess I was not so dumb after all… it hard to have such problems and can lead to depression, anxiety and just feeling doubtful about your self all the time, so seriously congratulations you deserve a gold medal as a mom!
My daughter, 10 years old îs dyslexic, I think. She struggled hard at school when reading and likez mostly watching TV. I am a teacher and I want to help her to learn English and German. She îs having course but I m afraid She Will fail în getting her diploma because of this. Although She reads with great dificulty She îs very inteligent, creative and after the first reading She understands the text better than ME. I want to help her to make use of her whole potential. Tell ME what I CAN do, please!
The Davis techniques described in the book, The Gift of Dyslexia, are built around giving dyslexics understanding and control of their mental strengths, and providing ways to use the strengths to their benefit. Although the Davis techniques are designed to help with specific problems like reading, the understanding that is gained can be applied in many different ways. My son at age 11 very quickly realized that his ability to control his “mind’s eye” was a super-power.
It was refreshing to read these comments. I’m over 50 now, I have began to wonder about myself around my mid 30’s about my learning abilities. I wasn’t labeled in school, so I’ve always thought that learning wasn’t my strongest point. I also thought that there weren’t many people out in the world similar to myself.
I have furthered my education, but I’ve have had to learn educational material in various ways.
I would color code my study material and reread it over and over. I would also have to read many of my assigned books by audio. Sometimes I would have to use a book marker that I would cut out with a square to isolate a couple of words at a time. This would help me not to wonder off my subject.
I seem to complete many tasks backwards, so because of this I’m more self conscious about this.
Thank you everyone
I am a dyslexic who has recently been trying to understand my brain better. I am 16 and I love stem. I do math, biology and physics at school and I am very bad at English and spelling, but that doesn’t bother me. I have a bad working memory and lose focus easily. I try to teach myself outside of the school syllabus but the only way I know about how to learn is reading. Are there any ways I can use my dyslexia to my advantage? And if so how? What should I do to improve my working memory? How can I stimulate my dyslexia and use it as a catalyst for learning? What should I do to retain focus?
Please answer these questions I am really trying to improve my situation, it means a lot to me.
Finn, the book The Gift of Dyslexia explains the strategies that we use to apply dyslexic talents to overcome school problems. Reading or listening to the audio version of the book might give you insight into the way you think and ideas for better strategies for learning and studying.
Hi Finn,
I’m a 24 year old dyselxic with a first class honours in Bsc in biology. Currently working in the field and doing a part time Msc in science validation. If you want to join the same field you most certainly can do this! I was diagnosed at a very young age. I started reading alot since I was a kid to improve my reading skills. I used Google translate to help me prounce new words. I kept a notebook and would add new words and their definitions to it. In high-school everyone told me I don’t need to study other languages because of my dyselxia. I defied that and went on to do honours level English and French. For learning everyone learns different. Im a very visual learner I love reading my handwriting in loads of pretty colours. Re writing and summarizing has helped me learn the information. Most importantly in science is understanding the concept not memorising everything! If you need any further help feel free to contact me.
I love your opportunism!
Hello there I am now 45 and have it as well although when I went to school it was an unspoken sin to have it..Without even finishing high school I was contacted buy Penn State when i was in my 30s out of the blue so i took the call and heard what they had to say and I was shocked! they knew about me and my ability from an old teacher of mine I can see things backwards like a picture and I am VERY good at finding things out weather it be a puzzle ,place,product,or something i have read,You should be able to tell just by my typing that that i have it….It is a blessing and I dont regret having it for a min.It has made me faster better and able to see things others cant,We can sometimes see everything at once and when you learn to hone in on it USE IT!
If you want to learn to read pick a subject that interests you very much. Be willing to look up the words you don’t know. If you look them up on line they will pronounce them for you,
Best of Luck
Hi Finn,
I too am dyslexic. I remember being extremely frustrated in grade school. I would do my best to study with the tools teachers provided me, but I couldn’t grasp the subjects. At the time, I had an interest in english rather than mathematics because the stories made more sense to me than numbers. I enjoyed digging into the underlying questions concerning character actions and behaviors. I guess I had more of a scientific approach to it. I did struggle with the wording while reading. I was better in a group forum where we discussed what was read, or I found it difficult to connect the dots and realized I had to read the passage multiple times to understand. It wasn’t until college that I truly found the study method that worked best for me. During class, I would type up my notes and record the lecture in case I forgot anything. From that, I would reorganize the notes and fill in additional information to further expand on an idea. I would then print out the revised notes and highlight and underline text with different colored pens and highlighters to help materials stick in my mind. On top of this, I would upload my notes on to my phone and play them with the speaker function through my car speakers or ear buds. This helped me visualize the answers from the highlighted notes I prepared while doing other tasks. I ended up using this method through out my undergrad and graduate degree schooling. I remember the struggle of figuring out what study method worked best for me, but once I did this, school came easy to me. I hope this helps you to achieve your goals.
Hi Fin,
Science research is a fantastic field for dyslexic people. While doing my D.Phill I realised I had a big advantage. Research is all about testing hypotheses and things do not always go to plan. The system dyslexic children have to go through teaches them resilience. Something that for others, who have never failed comes as a hard lesson. Your struggles with the system built for non dyslexic children will put you at an advantage.
I found learning the origins of words helped my understand how they are spelled (spelt?). But I still have problems. But what I have realised over time is that they are in others head, not realty. I try to spell correctly to help others hear my points. It is their hang up which they will chose to make your life hell over. But you will find that other dyslexic people work in science research and many can’t spell, so although still important you will find that your ideas are taken seriously even if you get the odd word wrong.
Big picture thinkers is a vital skill in science. Just remember to always question your assumptions.
The most disconcerting thing I found was watching others with photographic memories easily take information from one place to another. Chin up though you have a pen and paper.
I always get easily distracted. People have a love for those horrid open offices. I find this a real problem. I am afraid to say the best way round this for me is to use the day time for getting practical things done and networking. I think and write in the evenings or in a quiet part of the lab. That or ask for your own office! Occasionally if I am really engrossed I can zone others out. I do this by setting myself challenging goals. Not a problem in science research!
Anyway, be proud of being dyslexic. Don’t let anyone try to cure you. Your brain is unique and a real asset to science research.
Good Luck!
I am only 13 years old I searched uo if it was bad if i did not know how to read and I read the syntoms of dylexia and i have most of then and some months ago i went to the doctors and she asked me how was i going in school but i did not know how to tell my doctor that i might have dyalexia because my mom was there and i was scared to say it so i did not and just said i was going good in school . And my first year in 5th grade i failed and had to repeat my grade and at that time my reading level is J and now that i am in 7th grade i am at the same reading level and i need help telling my mom doctor and teachers for help or something that can make me improve in reading and writing.
Please don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have already had to repeat a grade, then your mom and teachers know that you have been struggling. Asking for help is the first step you can take towards getting what you need.
Andre, You are very wise young man I’m very impress with your ability to notice you are dyslexic before your teachers and doctors. It’s ok to tell your Mom tell your teachers that you have dyslexia and your not comfortable reading out loud and being called on due to your dyslexia. If your teachers DON’T understand they need to educate themselves. I worked with teachers how they need to work with students that are dyslexic never compare them with other students. I’m truly sorry you were held back back they should have worked with you try some summer home schooling to get you caught up with your class. Show your family all the people who are genius and have/had dyslexia. It’s truly a gift we all have been given we just need to use it to our advantage. Tell your Mom and ask to call your doctor to inform them to get their medical advice and treatment going forward. Don’t ever keep anything from your Mom remember you can tell her anything she loves you know matter what.
I bet you will become a doctor or teacher Andre you will help children with similar issues like dyslexia. PLEASE keep us updated.
Hi Andre,
As far as I am aware dyslexic runs in families, so don’t afraid to talk to your family your parents may not know they have it. The system needs you to fit in, but early school life focuses on spelling because most non dyslexic children pick it up without even trying. Your brain is special and has more important things to learn about at the moment. So learn about the things that interest you secure in the knowledge that you will probably never be able to spell properly and that this will not matter so much when you get to more advanced schooling.
But most important of all understand that dyslexia is a gift and for the small penalty that you can’t see the point of spelling your brain can excel in so many other areas compared to most.
You are lucky I did not have the internet when I was growing up. Use this to your advantage and teach yourself. School is in the early stages for a dyslexic child something to be endured.
The only way I learned to spell anything is to learn the origin of words and by getting a pen with no ink and writing the word I wanted to learn over and over and over until it finally went in. But I only did this when I was older at your age I thought school was stupid and that English had no spelling rules ( and people who talked about them where lying) and I admit I gave up. I remember spending most of my time re-wording things in my head so I could use small words I could spell!
I remember in science comeing up with interesting thoughts and ideas only to have no comment from the teacher and sp in the margin multiple times and red wiggly lines. So demoralising!
Good luck. When you get older you will find that education is, in fact, great;
I think you should say something, but only after you have gathered enough proof that dyslexia is a gift. It’s still very common for people to think of dyslexia as I disability, and that can have a massive down side. Sure your will get help for your “disability” I hope they also help nurture your creativity!
Please don’t be afraid to askkkk!! There is nothing wrong with you I promise!! You are not dumb your are just miss understood. Who cares if u fit in with all those regular people I’m sure u are very good at other things they are not. As someone with ADHD and dyslexia I’m telling you, you can achieve anything you want in life. I’m obviously old but my problems didn’t stop me from achieving 2 university title one with hons and even seeking for a masters degree. So I’m telling you, you can do it, it might take more time and different ways of learning… I’ve notice it helps me to really take notes in class even if I’m horrible at dictating but write things are you are understanding them. Ask lots of questions in class that will help u understand what are they talking about so u can make sure what your are writing is correct. Try to read with an audiobook and also don’t forget about stimulating your creative side cause I’m sure you are very creative in some stuff, such as finding stuff… I’ve also noticed my concentration improves after I practice yoga, so it might be something good to try!! Read about your condition only to help you understand it more!!! Congratulations for starting on seeking help and believe me you are not alone, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!! You are beautiful smart person that just see things in a different way, nothing wrong with that ♥️
My son can figure out geometry solutions without writing each step out. His teacher insists he has to write it out. He says he can’t write them out. What do I do to help?
This is a very common problem, because dyslexics usually think mostly with visual imagery, but can have a hard time translating their thoughts to words. It gets even harder when mathematical symbols are involved. Geometry is particularly hard to put into words, because it is all about understanding shapes — so a picture-thinker may find that it is easy to see the answer in their mind but have no clue how to explain it.
Here is what Davis Facilitators do to help: we use clay to model mathematical symbols and their meanings, and to model the meanings of common words used in math problems. The key is to give the person the ability to think with the words and symbols they need to write out an equation or a proof.
My son had similar problems. I talked to him about how he would need to learn to write out his steps sequentially if he wanted to learn to write a computer program or code –that helped to motivate him. Otherwise, it seemed to him like a waste of time – why write things out when in his mind, the answer was already obvious? I would watch him do his homework in algebra and he would write down the problem, then write down the answer, and then work backward up the page to show the steps in between.
I didn’t figure out I was dyslexic until college. I understood the concepts. I’ve always been an excellent problem solver, but the test always took me too long. I only made it half way through. Long story short I put some pieces together after speaking with my grandmother about her educational years and digging through my saved school work from kindergarten- high school. I collected my data. The picture was very clear. Then I went in for the diagnosis. I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, but was told I had already taught myself all coping mechanisms. So much so, that if I hadn’t brought in my “data/history” from my kindergarten- high school years it would have been hard for them to pick up on it. My problem solving skills were tested and they are extremely high. However, I was told my field of study was not obtainable with my severe dyslexia. I was even asked if I needed someone to write notes for me. I found this to be rediculous! I had learned in the military that the best way for me to visual remember was to take notes and then rewrite them by color coding and reorganizing. It took a lot of time, but visually I was able to reference my notes for class and test like flipping through pages. I also had to study information from multiple angles to the point that I can teach it to someone else from a multitude of angles. I was often asked to join study groups for this reason, but it takes so much longer to learn. The answer it just is what it is never sits well with me. I was excepted into Syracuse University for engineering and I have a mathematics certificate. All things I was told were impossible for me. Hey and engineers can’t spell anyways…hahaha. Unfortunately I had to stop my pursuit in engineering due to divorce, which was recognized by the courts and now I homeschool both of my girls. My youngest is just like me. I’m just happy I can give her all the tools ahead of time, so she doesn’t have to figure it out later in life. She’s doing great! She’s two years ahead and so is my other daughter. Of course my youngest has to read and reread time and time again. I make her take notes and double check her facts. Any time she questions something I make her stop to sort the information so she can properly store it in her brain. It just works! She spent five hours reading 12 pages in her geography book and answering all questions and the chapters final review, but the information is processed and stored with what she needs to know. I set goal for her like taking a break after six pages of reading. In the private school they were attending both of my children were top of their class for spelling and reading in elementary school. So no one quit understood when I said my youngest is dyslexic. The math teacher never picked up her sheet used to work out problems for test because it just looked like ambiguous scribbles that didn’t mean anything. I tell her her writing is perfect for being a doctor or engineer. She gets a good chuckle out of it, but she does slow down for me to write neatly. It’s good practice. Now that she’s homeschooled the other kids aren’t around to make fun of her “sloppy handwriting” we’ll call it.