Defining Dyslexia

Most people have a general understanding of dyslexia, and there’s a good reason for that. According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, about 20% of the population is dyslexic, and dyslexia comprises 80-90% of all learning disabilities. You may know a few individuals who fit this description, even if you don’t realize it.

Dyslexia typically indicates challenges with reading and writing, which complicates matters in a society that heavily relies on these skills. The act of reading, when examined closely, is quite intricate. As you read these words, your brain connects letters to sounds, arranges them correctly, and synthesizes them into meaningful sentences. For those with dyslexia, matching letters to their corresponding sounds is often a struggle, making comprehension difficult.

Personally, I find it challenging to read aloud without multiple internal rehearsals, and even then, mispronunciations are common. For instance, I once read "between" as "bet-wen." This is particularly problematic in my writing career, where editing is essential, as my freewriting can resemble Yoda’s speech patterns, such as saying “This morning I walked my dog” instead of “I walked my dog this morning.”

Neurological Differences

The stigma surrounding dyslexia led me to believe my brain is “wired” differently—and it turns out I was right. The Yale resources indicate that “scientific research shows differences in brain connectivity between dyslexic and typical reading children, providing a neurological basis for why reading fluently is a struggle for those with dyslexia.”

This means my brain functions differently than that of typical readers. However, is this truly a negative trait? Society often equates “different” with “inferior,” but research shows that diversity can be beneficial.

Research has consistently indicated that dyslexia is not a disorder but rather an evolutionary adaptation. Individuals with dyslexia tend to excel in exploring the unknown, think in terms of the bigger picture, and are believed to have evolved to adjust to changing cultural landscapes.

New Insights

It appears that diversity not only strengthens our immune systems but is also crucial for our survival as a species. This applies not just to internal capabilities but also to physical characteristics like skin and eye color, which can enhance our adaptability to various environments.

In June 2022, researchers Dr. Helen Taylor and Dr. Martin Vestergaard from Cambridge University published findings after analyzing previous studies on dyslexia in psychology and neuroscience. Their research suggests fundamental differences in the wiring of the dyslexic brain, which evolved as a survival mechanism. They discovered that variations exist in how the brain organizes neurons and pathways, affecting whether an individual excels at detail-oriented or big-picture thinking.

Their hypothesis posits that humans developed two adaptive strategies for survival: some individuals became adept at utilizing learned information, while others honed skills in invention and discovery.

Adaptation and Learning

These adaptive differences manifest in various ways, particularly in procedural learning, where individuals with dyslexia often face challenges. In an interview with BBC Science Focus Magazine, Dr. Taylor elaborated on her and Dr. Vestergaard’s findings, stating:

“Learning to read, write, or play the piano are all examples of skills that depend on procedural memory; once acquired, these skills can be executed automatically and swiftly. However, if a person struggles with automaticity, they remain consciously aware of the learning process. The advantage is that they can continue to improve and explore.”

Neither type of brain wiring is superior; both have unique advantages and disadvantages. Optimal outcomes occur when these differing approaches work collaboratively. The combination of exploratory, big-picture thinkers and detail-oriented individuals can lead to solutions and advancements that are unattainable alone.

It’s quite logical, considering we exist in a world filled with contrasts—love/hate, hot/cold, left/right. We achieve happiness and health when we find equilibrium amidst extremes. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and when we come together, support one another, and embrace our differences, we thrive as a species.

A Shift in Perspective

Even before researching this topic, I recognized that my cognitive processes differ from those of many around me. I’ve found ways to leverage my unique thought patterns, experimenting with structure in my writing and gradually adapting my life to align with how my mind operates, rather than adhering strictly to conventional methods.

Dr. Taylor and Dr. Vestergaard advocate for viewing dyslexia as simply a difference, rather than a deficit. Unfortunately, our society prioritizes reading and writing in education, which can create barriers for those with dyslexia. As Dr. Young points out, “You can still learn to be a brilliant surgeon even if you have difficulty with reading and writing. However, if you cannot pass your exams, that opportunity may slip away. This is especially unfortunate, as dyslexia-related talents might align well with such careers.”

This concept echoes the wisdom of Albert Einstein: “Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”