Achieving Maximum Performance Despite Dyslexia
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. So What Is Dyslexia?
It is a learning disability related to reading; specifically a language-based learning disability. Other learning disabilities impair the ability to do math or writing. Most commonly, those with dyslexia or other learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence, but there is a gap between the person’s potential and his or her achievement.
Achieving High Performance is Completely Possible Despite Dyslexia
But the great news is that there are many with dyslexia who have reached the heights of success, and regardless of the challenges dyslexia may impose, the sky’s the limit when it comes to performance, leadership, productivity, and achievement!
High Achievers come from all kinds of fields – architects, writers, physicians, jurists, scientists, business leaders, political leaders, entertainers and more. Examples of some names you probably know are (in business and finance) Charles Schwab and Richard Branson, (in entertainment) Jay Leno, Anderson Cooper, Keira Knightley, Daniel Radcliff, Whoopi Goldber, Steven Spielberg. All are recognized for their strengths, rather than their dyslexia.
Focusing on one’s strengths is a critical aspect of self-awareness and self-development. Often too much time is devoted to what one can’t do because of a disability. However, a disability need not be disabling.
One Man’s Solution
On their journeys to success, those with dyslexia may have behaviors that help them compensate for their difficulties. A recent article relates the story of an executive, John Hoke, the chief design officer of Nike. He always doodled and he shares his reasons for his
This creative executive says that he listens better when his hand is busy. Doodling helps him to stay focused. He decided that dyslexia wasn’t a burden, but a gift since it made him see the world differently.
How Does Dyslexia Affect Thinking?
Dyslexia is called a “hidden disability” because a child or adult looks and sounds like they should be able to read, but doesn’t learn the sounds, doesn’t comprehend the meaning of a passage, or reads too slowly.
Learning disabilities can also interfere with other critical thinking skills involving organization, time management, and long- or short-term memory. In addition, many professionals and students with ADHD have reading or other learning disabilities that have not been diagnosed.
Where to Get Help
Over the decades, programs and strategies have been developed to help adults and children circumvent their problems and meet the challenges posed by dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Hidden problems can subvert work and academic success. If you or another has questions or concerns about reading or other learning problems, contact geri@managingyourmind.com. For additional information and resources, go to: https://ldaamerica.org
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