Dyslexia: a blessing in disguise
It's no coincidence that some of the biggest, richest and most influential individuals in the world are dyslexic.
Parents and teachers often become stressed when dealing with a dyslexic child, when they should rather relish the endless possibilities of dyslexics.
Dyslexiaassociation.org defines a child living with dyslexia as one who receives the same classroom instruction as other students, but continues to struggle with some or all of the many aspects of reading and spelling. Other sources described it as a chronic disease, while the dyslexia association said it is not a disease.
The word ‘dyslexia’ comes from the Greek language and means ‘difficulty with words’ – individuals with dyslexia have trouble with aspects of reading, spelling and writing.
Raymond Msweli, who is no expert, but is dyslexic, agrees that dyslexia challenges reading and learning abilities but it has made him realise that he cannot rely on his academic prospects.
“School was not a walk in the park for me – I was called dumb and slow, which made me look down on myself. But from as early as the age of 12, I started repairing appliances at home. Then my neighbours found out what I could do and brought me theirs, and they would pay me as a token of appreciation. That is why I am planning to have my own workshop fixing cellphones, electronic kettles, and so forth,” said 18-year-old Raymond.
Symptoms of dyslexia include poor spelling, reading slowly with many mistakes, poor decoding; difficulty in reading single words and learning the letter sounds for reading and spelling.
According to happydyslexic.com, dyslexics have a nice collection of capabilities, which are advantages when used in the right context.
Here are some of the abilities of dyslexics:
• High curiosity: Most dyslexics are curious and they daydream often, sometimes too often. For example, during an arithmetic lesson a teacher might ask the class how many sweets they would have if they had 15 sweets and she took five away. Most children would say 10 sweets, while a dyslexic child could wonder what sweets are made of or how they are made and why they taste differently. Daydreaming ignites curiosity and creativity in dyslexics. Albert Einstein used his ability to daydream to come up with the relativity theory.
• Ability to see things differently from others: While many children are made to believe that ‘great minds think alike’, dyslexic children often question why it is necessary to do and think the same way as others.
• Can be driven, ambitious and persistent: dyslexics do not follow the crowd and are unlikely to succumb to peer pressure. They are focused and have high concentration levels. Two of the most influential dyslexics are Floyd Mayweather and Richard Branson, who are powerful and unashamed of their dyslexia.
Some of the careers that dyslexics can flourish in:
• Psychology
• Graphic and fashion design
• Sports
• Culinary arts
• Sales and marketing
• Architecture
• Electronics
• Teaching
• Managing in people-related occupations
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
