Dyslexia has been little understood or noted for most of recorded history. Almost all of the recorded history of dyslexia has been in the last 25 years.

Dyslexics learn differently. Their eyes see the same but their brains interpret the signals from the eyes differently than those of non-dyslexics. It’s O.K., many famous people have been dyslexic. But to reach full potential they need to be taught differently, according to their needs.

For roughly the last 15 years, school-age kids have all been screened for signs of dyslexia in children. Those identified as “probables” went through full-blown dyslexia testing and were then taught according to the way they needed to be taught.

Those who went through grade school more than 15 years ago almost all bear the scars of being hammered into molds that did not fit. They were ridiculed for their differences, looked at as retarded (which most are definitely not!), slow learners, etc. They were embarrassed and learn to hide their differences.

Millions of adult dyslexics today have never taken a dyslexia test. They still struggle with learning and reading difficulties that could be easily overcome if they were only known. A half-hour dyslexia test could make enormous improvements in their self-esteem and abilities.

There are many different types of dyslexia. In fact, there is no standard “type”; everyone is different. Dyslexics cannot be classified and put into different “boxes” to process. Each one must be tested and evaluated separately.

One of the most common dyslexia symptoms among adults is the reluctance to read anything, especially to read aloud. Another is reluctance or inability to take down legible, understandable messages from phone conversations. Still another is a person employed in a much lower position than would seem to be appropriate for his or her intelligence, just to avoid the necessity of reading and paperwork.

There is more information on the subject of dyslexia you can see by clicking on any of the links in this blog posting.

Disclaimer: This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with dyslexia. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.

By Horacio Griffin