The Intricate Tapestry of Dyslexia: Beyond Intelligence and Into Potential

When we mention dyslexia, the immediate assumption shouldn't be about intelligence. The human brain, a complex and fascinating organ, isn't just divided into left or right hemispheres, each with its distinct functions. Rather, it's an intricate tapestry of circuits and pathways working in harmony.

For years, we've understood the brain's right hemisphere to be the hub of spatial skills: visualizing, recognizing patterns, and creating art. Conversely, the left hemisphere was believed to be the center for language, thinking in words, sequencing, and mathematics. However, modern research paints a much more interconnected picture.

There's not just one reading center in the brain. Instead, multiple circuits come alive when we read and try to comprehend text. Dr. Mary Anne Wolf, the Director of the Center for Dyslexia at  UCLA, sheds light on how a dyslexic brain approaches reading. While individuals with dyslexia initiate reading with the left hemisphere, they often shift to the right hemisphere and linger there longer than typical readers. This is significant because the right hemisphere, where many of our dyslexic’s strengths are rooted, isn't the conventional region for reading.

The result? Dyslexic individuals tend to process letters more slowly, causing a delay in connecting letter sounds and reading words. This difference in brain circuitry makes reading a more time-intensive task for them. But that's just one side of the coin.

The silver lining here is the incredible strengths that many with dyslexia possess. They often shine in areas of three-dimensional thinking, art, spatial information processing, and pattern recognition. These individuals are not just readers; they're big picture thinkers, innovators, and solvers of complex problems. Their ability to think three-dimensionally makes them standout engineers, inventors, and visionaries. Their vivid imaginations make them exceptional storytellers and creators. It's no surprise that 25% of CEOs and 35% of company founders identify as dyslexic. This is where we truly see the advantage of dyslexia.

At Frankenberger Associates, we believe in tapping into this immense potential. While structured language literacy approaches can aid in remedying the challenges dyslexics face in reading, writing, and spelling, we focus on the entire picture. We recognize unique abilities and strengths, and guide children, teens, and young adults to not just learn but to thrive. Because every individual is more than a label; they're a universe of potential waiting to be explored.

Caryl Frankenberger, Ed.M.