A Different Perspective on Dyslexia

Dyslexia awareness came and went in October, I wonder how many people noticed. Even though it has been ongoing for years, there appears to be little happening in schools to create awareness. An awareness about Dyslexia is not only important for teachers and parents but also for children and young people. Many children and young people have difficulties with their self-confidence due to their Dyslexia. This can be mental health issues or just feeling that they are not as good as their friends. I always give those children and young people these pieces of information which helps create a different perspective:
1) 1 in every 10 people have dyslexia, that means 2 other people in your class and 3 people in every other class in your school. You are not alone; you are part of a big group.
2) Dyslexic thinkers are the ones who think differently and therefore the ones who society need. Especially if we want things to change. Famous dyslexic thinkers include Einstein, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Walt Disney. You are part of their crowd!
3) GCHQ is the Intelligence organisation for Great Britain. They actively recruit dyslexic thinkers. Read their article here. That’s right… the organisation who need the most intelligent people in the country want dyslexic thinkers more than anyone else! That’s people like you!
Dyslexia only has a negative effect on learning when we stick to age old traditional methods of doing things. We are amazing and we can be part of the change that our world needs because we think differently.