Dyslexia

I was very sad and disheartened to read the recent article ‘Dyslexic Boy failed by the system’ below in the Evening Standard:

"A mother claims today that her 10-year-old son has been left with a reading age of four after being failed by his school, teachers and council.

Like most dyslexics the boy is gifted artistically and has a photographic memory. But he is also "severely dyslexic" and has progressed "just one month in five years" after being refused the extra help he needs".

Judging by his quote below sounds like Winston Churchill a fellow dyslexic had a similar experience at school:

"I was, on the whole, considerably discouraged by my school days. It was not pleasant to feel oneself so completely outclassed and left behind at the beginning of the race."

My views in a nutshell

My philosophy is that all people have an enormous capacity for living creatively, lovingly and joyfully which is often untapped or repressed in our society. This tragic story is a typical example of a gifted individual failed by system!!!!

As a Consultant Integrative Psychotherapist specialising in counselling for dyslexic clients, I witness first hand how these gifted children often develop into under confident adults. Why do Education Ministers and Policymakers continue to develop policies not taking into account that, like everyone, these children are unique and so have a preferred learning style? Through identifying learning styles, you are able to capitalise on an individual’s strengths and improve self-advocacy skills. School education methods, particular to an individual allow that individual to learn best. Knowing and understanding our learning style helps us to learn more effectively.

There is also direct relationship between education and health — better educated individuals have more positive health outcomes.

Despite this, the good news is that if dyslexics are natural self starters, have strong encouraging role models and live in a thriving home environment they can achieve very successful careers as adults.

Famous people with the gift of dyslexia include:

Sir Richard Branson
Pablo Picasso
Leonardo Da Vinci
Andy Warhol
Keanu Reeves
Kiera Knightley
Dr. Peter Lovatt
Dr. James Lovelock
Albert Einstein
Thomas Edison
George Patton
Nigel Kennedy
John Lennon

A few book recommendations:

The Gift of Dyslexia

Practical Strategies for Living with Dyslexia

Dyslexia: A Parents' Survival Guide

Tom's Special Talent – Dyslexia

The Dyslexic Adult in a Non-dyslexic World

The Dyslexic Adult: Interventions and Outcomes - An Evidence-based Approach


Some Organisations

Xtraordinary People

British Dyslexia Association

Dyslexia Action

Springboard for children

White Space

The Dyslexia SpLD Trust