The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain

We've been thinking about dyslexia all wrong, say the Eides, two prominent learning disabilities experts. They argue that the reading disorder isn't just about barriers to learning but about the advantages a dyslexic brain can provide; they offer a new theory of how dyslexic brains process information. Along with some highly accomplished people with dyslexia%E2%80%94like computer pioneer Bill Hewlett, Beatle John Lennon, businessman Charles Schwab, and writer Anne Rice%E2%80%94the Eides explore the lives of ordinary people who've found their different brains took them in extraordinary directions, citing one family of father, daughter, and grandson who all had dyslexia that allowed them to follow their interests in building, design, and invention. The authors carefully dissect the strengths of a dyslexic brain%E2%80%94including spatial reasoning; mechanical ability; better perceptions of analogies, metaphors, and paradoxes; and great recall of personal memories. Here's a practical analysis of a difficult, frustrating disorder that unveils what goes remarkably right as well as what goes wrong. The exploration is encouraging for those hoping to capitalize on their dyslexic advantage, concerned parents, educators, and anyone else interested in how these unique brains work. (Aug.)