Often Overlooked Signs of Dyslexia
Have you ever suspected, caught wind of, heard of, been told of, or recognized signs of Dyslexia in yourself or a loved one? Read more on Dyslexia signs per age group to find out!
Fun Facts you should know about Dyslexia:
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1 in 5 people have Dyslexia
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It is mostly and typically genetic.
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There is no cause or "cure", however some genes & contributing factors have been identified.
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One does not "grow out of" Dyslexia, but one may improve their struggles with intervention and accommodations and knowledge.
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It is simply a biological difference in the way the brain processes phonetic language, and presents differently in varying degrees for different people.
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Is recognized and acknowledged by a discrepancy between high IQ and ability to learn phonetics.
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It is a spectrum and can consist of varying degrees of one or more of several "types" or "presenting" struggles.
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If is often hard to detect and identify in those who are identified as Twice Exceptional.
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It may sometimes overlap with other diagnosis such as ADD, ADHD, or Anxiety among "diagnosis".
Are you 2E?
"Twice Exceptional"
Do you:
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Struggle/dislike to read but can detect patterns in word, paragraph, & text, by shape, memory, or concept
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Find patterns & systems of doing things that others often overlook
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Have excellent memory and special recognition
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3D thinking ability & visualization skills
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Excellent critical thinking
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Excellent problem solving skills
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Often sensitive to sounds/sights/smells stimuli
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Become easily bored when unengaged
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Need constant mental stimulation
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Focus well on special interests
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If this describes you well, you have likely compensated which makes it harder to distinctly detect dyslexia.
Examples of Potential Dyslexic Strengths & Skills
with early intervention & cultivation
3D visualization Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving Skills
Out of Box Thinking
Contemplative
Deeply sensory
Adventurous
High Energy
Highly Focused in Interests
Science Concept Skills
Conceptual Math Skills
Creative
Conceptualization Abilities
Identifying Pattern Tendencies
Inventive Tendencies
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Artisitc, Acting, and/or Musical Skills
Perceiving and Observing Skills
Highly Motivated
Myths & Misunderstandings about Dyslexia:
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Not focusing (many students have other issues such as ADHD, Autism, Allergies, Anxiety or other complex issues compounding or even masking the Dyslexia struggles. This is not strictly limited to Dyslexics.)
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Not listening (Audio Processing Disorder can be one part of Dyslexia which may present itself in this manner, other challenges such as Executive Dysfunction may also compound Dyslexia and present in this manner. This is not strictly limited to Dyslexics.
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Seeing double vision (There is one type of exacerbation effecting an aspect of Dyslexia that involves the tracking muscles, but this is only one form if muscle tone is low. However, in other forms, muscle tone is actually a strength. This is not strictly limited to Dyslexics and this not the cause of Dyslexia. Overlays/colored overlays or glasses will not “fix” Dyslexia).
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Flipping letters (This is fairly common until about age 8, it doesn’t necessarily or automatically mean you have Dyslexia. This is not strictly limited to Dyslexics. Many letters share the same shape but different position: b, d, p, q and take a while to learn. However, if you have concern, get evaluated as soon as possible to determine other factors involved.)
Misunderstood signs of Dyslexia
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Often misunderstands spoken words
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Often asks for repeat instructions or clarification in order to have time to process
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Often replaces words for another word of similar meaning and recognizes words by shape and/or categorizes words by similar meaning
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Trouble thinking of the right word and/or organizing thoughts (may cause stuttering or use of pause words such as "uh/um/like/you know"
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Trouble expressing in words what they have learned/heard/know, may speak in generalizations & main ideas and omit details unless is is a specific interest
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Often has different sense of time, order, and organization
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May be highly sensitive to auditory or visual stimuli, and respond well to kinesthetic stimuli
Often overlooked signs of Dyslexia by age:
This is a very general list of signs that may point to Dyslexia. If your child has a majority of these signs per section, further evaluation would be recommended.
A FEW Famous Dylsexics
and the areas they excelled
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Elon Musk- science, inventing, mechanics, entrepreneur
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Tim Tebow- athletics
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Tom Holland- acting
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John F. Kennedy- politics & governing
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Albert Einstein- science & inventing
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Pablo Picasso- art
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Charles Swab- finance
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Ludwig Van Beethoven- music
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The Wright Brothers-inventing, entrepreneurs
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Richard Branson- sales & marketing, entrepreneur
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Keira Knightley- acting
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Jennifer Aniston- acting
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Keanu Reeves- acting, social work
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George Washington-politics & governing
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Gavin Newsome- politics & governing
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Walt Disney- artist, entrepeneur
Possible Dyslexic
Career Opportunities
"Dyslexic-Thinking" is an advantage recognized on sites such as Linked In. With proper intervention and guidance, Dyslexia may lead to opportunities for particular jobs such as, but not limited to, the following:
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Athletic
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Acting
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Adventuring/Exploring
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Artistic/Creative
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Financial/Numerical-investing, follwing market trends
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Governing and Politics
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Engineering
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Entrepreneurial
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Hospitality
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Manual
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Mechanical
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Musical & Performing Arts
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Scientific
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Sales and Marketing