What’s wrong with the definition of dyslexia?

If you’re reading this blog then you probably have a good understanding of what it means to be dyslexic. However, ask the average Joe and they will often say, ‘Dyslexia is just a problem with reading and spelling.’ Usually they follow this up by asking, ‘Is that right?’ 

Lots of people are very unsure of how to define dyslexia or even exactly what it is. The most worrying part is they could be people who have a negative impact on someone who has dyslexia because of this lack of understanding. 

The Cambridge dictionary tell us dyslexia is:

‘A condition affecting the brain that makes it difficult for someone to read and write.’

Both definitions see dyslexia as either a ‘problem’ or ‘condition’. Only weaknesses and no mention of strengths. It can be seen as something that needs to be fixed. But dyslexia is so much more than this.  

The term ‘dyslexia’ is way overdue a definition rehaul and here is why. 

Science has come a long way in understanding how the brain works. Years of research have helped us to realise people can be taught the same thing, in the exact same way, but do different things inside their minds to help them to make sense of the learning.  

Brain scans have revealed that dyslexic brains fire up in different places than non-dyslexic brains, proving we do indeed think, learn and remember differently from one another. Both types of brain are learning, just not in the same way. 

This is exciting and should be celebrated because it means that we are able to get different interpretations of the same idea. Some would call this ingenuity. In a world whose future depends on solving problems and inventing new ways of doing things, we should be encouraging this type of thinking, especially from our young learners, who hold the future in their hands.

So, if dyslexics learn differently and could struggle to write and spell, surely it makes sense that we need to offer them different ways of showing their understanding of something.  

Unfortunately, our education system only measures how well someone has learned something by their ability to explain their thinking in writing. So, our dyslexic children exist in a system that places value on being able to write well.  If writing is not their strength, then they are considered dis-able. Our bright and creative children are seen as having a disability because of the narrow view of what it is to be able.  

Using the current definition of dyslexia means that the education system gives too much emphasis to tackling what is believed to be the problem.

For so long now there have been acknowledgements about different types of intelligences.  Science has gone a long way to explain that the ability to think and learn differently can have huge advantages. They go as far as saying that actually dyslexics have minds made for the 21st Century with their ability to be big picture thinkers. Steve Varely, Global Vice Chair at EY says:

“Having a greater understanding of the strengths of dyslexic individuals, presents an opportunity for businesses to recruit and retain people with some of the in-demand skills of the future”

But how can businesses understand the strengths that dyslexics have if our schools that are responsible for educating them don’t and the dictionary definition has no mention of it?

The education system was set up a long time ago. Many people agree that steps should be taken to change teaching and learning because it doesn’t account for what we now know about how our brains think, learn and remember. 

School should be about helping children to find THEIR way of learning so they can go out into the world understanding and using their strengths knowing there is no limit to what they can do. 

Until this time, parents are realising that THEY need to take action to make sure their child leaves school knowing how AMAZING they are. 

If you are a parent who would like to know more about how you can help your dyslexic child or even if your child doesn't have a diagnosis but you feel they have similar traits, I can help you to help them. 

I help families whose children are struggling to read, write and concentrate learn simple techniques that use their strengths to help themselves learn. Helping families is what I do because it puts the power of change back with the people who care the most.