Dyslexia: A Universe of Possibilities

Reading is a key skill for a fulfilling and effective life. However, for those of us born with the neurological difference called dyslexia, the experience of learning to read is a laborious, exhausting, and sometimes hopeless-feeling process. Dyslexia is a permanent brain condition, but it needn't be debilitating. In fact, the strengths of dyslexia often include high levels of cognition and cognitive leaping, logic, and creativity. The trick is surviving school. For the person with dyslexia or with ADHD, school can be difficult because it often overemphasizes phonological awareness and requires organizational skills that elude those students. Author Beth Cottone explains: "I have observed the lives of many bright children who struggle with reading, avoid print, and read slowly, if at all. Some of them become very accomplished adults and some end up in jail." The author focuses on science, empathy, and a strengths-based approach to solve the problems and remediate the difficulties that haunt those with the learning disability of dyslexia. Cottone's message is clear: "I am convinced that, given the appropriate education, people with dyslexia can overcome their brain-based difficulties and mature into creative adult lives, excelling in unique ways." Once these students successfully complete school, they can thrive because their strengths in advanced reasoning and critical thinking are more likely to be tapped. Dyslexia: A Universe of Possibilities combines case studies, education theory, neuroscience, special education policy, and more, to highlight a path forward for the countless curious, inventive, creative, and challenged students born with dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiversities.