Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
April 25, 2011
We've been thinking about dyslexia all wrong, say the Eides, two prominent learning disabilities experts. They argue that the reading disorder isn't just about barriers to learning but about the advantages a dyslexic brain can provide; they offer a new theory of how dyslexic brains process information. Along with some highly accomplished people with dyslexiaâlike computer pioneer Bill Hewlett, Beatle John Lennon, businessman Charles Schwab, and writer Anne Riceâthe Eides explore the lives of ordinary people who've found their different brains took them in extraordinary directions, citing one family of father, daughter, and grandson who all had dyslexia that allowed them to follow their interests in building, design, and invention. The authors carefully dissect the strengths of a dyslexic brainâincluding spatial reasoning; mechanical ability; better perceptions of analogies, metaphors, and paradoxes; and great recall of personal memories. Here's a practical analysis of a difficult, frustrating disorder that unveils what goes remarkably right as well as what goes wrong. The exploration is encouraging for those hoping to capitalize on their dyslexic advantage, concerned parents, educators, and anyone else interested in how these unique brains work.
July 15, 2011
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.
(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
September 1, 2011
The two Seattle physicians who coauthored The Mislabeled Child here set out to frame dyslexia not as a disability but as a condition that offers clear advantages if properly understood. To this end, they share anecdotes from current students as well as adults who are successful in the fields of engineering, art, and business. Focusing on the strengths associated with dyslexia (these include "material reasoning" through working with building toys and "narrative reasoning" through retaining and building complex stories), they advise parents and educators on how to improve reading and writing skills in dyslexic students. The section outlining how dyslexic individuals can succeed in school, college, and the professional world is the strongest. The theme that runs through the entire work is the need to develop self-esteem in this population. With this boost, it is plausible that families struggling with a child's dyslexia will be given the confidence to reach higher and not accept dyslexia as an excuse for underachievement. VERDICT Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with comprehensive dyslexia collections.--Corey Seeman, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 15, 2011
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.
(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)