THE DYSLEXIC ADVANTAGE

Groundbreaking theory for the positive potential of dyslexia.

Although dyslexia is often perceived as a barrier to reading, learning-disabilities experts the Eides (Visual Spelling, 2009, etc.) offer uplifting information about the advantages of the dyslexic brain. The authors contend that successful dyslexics thrive not in spite of their brains but because of its unique chemical components. These, they write, produce many notable abilities—e.g., three-dimensional spatial reasoning; better perception of metaphors, analogies and paradoxes; and strong recall. In addition to prominent people with dyslexia—including John Lennon, financial guru Charles Schwab and novelist Anne Rice—the Eides document the achievements of everyday people, like Sarah Andrews, whose dyslexia gave her a powerful 3D-imagery system tailor made for a flourishing career as a geologist. Readers learn that dyslexia is much more than a reading impairment; it is a “different pattern of brain organization and information processing.” The book clearly details the strengths and trade-offs of the dyslexic brain, as well as ways to foster its advantages. For example, a child with strong imagery ability is distracted by math problems with superfluous imagery, but educators can learn to present the same math problems to the child in a different way. Of particular note are ideas for thriving in the workplace and a list of careers that are a good fit for people with unique and talented brains. Good advice and encouraging analysis for dyslexics, parents, teachers or anyone interested in the endless possibilities of the mind.