The Dyslexic Advantage

The two Seattle physicians who coauthored The Mislabeled Child here set out to frame dyslexia not as a disability but as a condition that offers clear advantages if properly understood. To this end, they share anecdotes from current students as well as adults who are successful in the fields of engineering, art, and business. Focusing on the strengths associated with dyslexia (these include "material reasoning" through working with building toys and "narrative reasoning" through retaining and building complex stories), they advise parents and educators on how to improve reading and writing skills in dyslexic students. The section outlining how dyslexic individuals can succeed in school, college, and the professional world is the strongest. The theme that runs through the entire work is the need to develop self-esteem in this population. With this boost, it is plausible that families struggling with a child's dyslexia will be given the confidence to reach higher and not accept dyslexia as an excuse for underachievement.