It is estimated that approximately 10% of New Zealanders are dyslexic. This represents a major challenge to our nation.
About Dyslexia
Dyslexia only becomes a disability if it is not addressed appropriately and in a timely manner. With early detection, understanding, intervention and support, dyslexics can manage their literacy and communication needs satisfactorily. However, educators need to recognize that because of differences in their neurological pathways people with dyslexia typically learn best using explicit, structured, sequential processing as opposed to whole language approaches.
The positive implication of the dyslexic disposition is that it can be highly useful in scientific and creative industries where problem solving and lateral thinking is necessary.
“Dyslexic individuals tend to think in pictures rather than words, receiving and retrieving information in a different part of the brain to neurotypical, word-based thinkers.” (DFNZ, 2019)
Thus, according to leading edge US-based researcher Tom West, dyslexics will often exhibit special creative talents and high market-value creative and entrepreneurial skills - allowing them to act as ‘engines of economic development’.
Some of the world’s greatest scientists, artists and politicians are considered to be, or were, dyslexic. Included amongst them are Leonardo Da Vinci, George Washington, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Pablo Picasso, Richard Branson, John Lennon and Tom Cruise. Many other famous names could be added to this list!
The mission of The Literacy Clinic NZ is to successfully help dyslexic students to reach their full potential.