Amazingly, there are numerous famous people with dyslexia. Do "household names" and "learning disabilities" typically go together in your thinking?
Many people think about learning disabilities as a label - one that dooms a child to a life of mediocrity. The reality couldn't be further from the truth!
Take a look at this list of just some of the famous people with dyslexia - and think about their accomplishments:
Tom Cruise
Henry Winkler
Walt Disney
Albert Einstein
Thomas Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
Pablo Picasso
Leonardo Da Vinci
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Winston Churchill
The above list includes some of the most creative thinkers, artists, inventors, producers, actors and statesmen that the world has ever seen!
Different Types of Dyslexia
We can surmise, from reading the above list, that all of these brilliant people did not struggle with exactly the same learning problems.
Dyslexia affects the way the brain processes information. This may display in many different ways in different individuals.
These
signs of dyslexia
point out the difficulty, but not the solution. This is why testing is so important. Determining a child's strengths and weaknesses can become a starting point for developing the strengths, and addressing the deficits.
Yes, there are effective programs for treating dyslexia!
Positive Traits of Dyslexia
Although strengths also vary from person to person, chances are you will notice some of the following in the personality traits and characteristics of a person with dyslexia:
Creative Thinker
Insightful (often reads people very well)
Engaging and Humorous
Hyper-focused on area(s) of interest
Curious
Determined
Often thinks in pictures, rather than words
The key is to honor their strengths, while providing a solid program to address their weaknesses.
To all of you who suspect you have a dyslexic child, or who think you may be dyslexic yourself, I encourage you to get a professional evaluation. Once you know the overall results, you'll understand yourself and your child a lot better.
Believe me, a supportive and encouraging parent on the side of a child with learning disabilities is one of the best gifts you will ever give them!
