Isn't it about time we re-defined dyslexia...?
Clare Pratt
CEO of Emberson, the Connected Marketing group of agencies that drive positive change in the energy, technology and built environment sectors
As we kick off a new academic year in the UK, let’s remember to be kind and supportive to dyslexic students, of all ages whether they are starting uni, college or school, because the world needs their thinking and intellect.
Like so many parents over the last few days I have felt nervous for my brilliant dyslexic daughter as she goes to uni for the first time. Perhaps I feel more nervous than others because she is dyslexic...? Who knows, but I do worry that she will be treated 'differently' by peers and lecturers.
According to the University of Cambridge, dyslexia is a neurological condition affecting up to 20% of people, often misunderstood as just a learning ‘difficulty.’
Last week, Dr. Helen Taylor shared her latest research at the Complementary Cognition 2.0 #CES2024 event. It highlighted the incredible strengths of dyslexic thinking and why, from an evolutionary standpoint, it’s crucial.
Importantly, Dr. Taylor’s research shows, dyslexic brains are specialized for broader exploration—thriving in areas like discovery, radical innovation, and leadership. Dyslexic thinkers excel at:
Sound familiar? In the advertising sector which Emberson Group is in, these abilities drive creativity. Indeed, Nielsen’s Annual Marketing Report in 2023 detailed that 49% of advertising effectiveness comes from the power of creativity.
As Dr Taylor said, dyslexic thinking is a superpower. Dyslexia should be re-defined as a strength, not a disability, due to enhanced abilities in entrepreneurship, invention, sports, and big-picture thinking. These are explorative skills that have played a vital role in human adaptation and survival.
So, on behalf of my daughter and the world class dyslexic people I work with every day, thank you Dr Taylor for your work.
And, as we all navigate this academic year, let’s lift each other up. Whether you’re a teacher, lecturer, student or parent, be supportive, be encouraging, be kind, and appreciate the unique strengths dyslexic thinkers bring to the table, and indeed to everyone’s learning.
#DyslexiaAwareness #BeKind #Creativity #ComplementaryCognition #DyslexicStrengths #SupportEachOther #Advertising #Marketing #Dyslexia #Dyslexic #Connections #ConnectTheDots #HumanConnections
Link to Dr Taylor’s post on LinkedIn:
Marketing support for ambitious scaling brands | Board Advisor | Epic Kitchen dancer
1 周I love that these conversations are being had and dysexia is being celebrated as what it unlocks. I didn't find out until I was dyslexic until my 30s and it was because I was fascinated with how to make work environments more inclusive that I went to a Neurodiversity conference and then suddenly everything made sense for me. I saw the patterns in my thinking, where I think differently and rather than forcing myself to work extra hard at the things I find so hard, I started to lean into what my brain can do. Have you seen that Richard Branson today has announced the University of Dyslexic thinking. Haven't looked into the detail yet but here it is. https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson-blog/launching-dyslexicu-the-worlds-first-university-of-dyslexic-thinking p.s why is dyslexia and dyslexic the literally hardest words in the world to spell- ironic really
Executive Leader | Modern Work and Security Lead at Microsoft | Dyslexic Thinker
2 周Thanks for the post. It’s time!
Professor & Director, Buckingham Enterprise & Innovation Unit (BEIU), Vinson Building, University of Buckingham. BA (Hons) FCIM
2 周Hi Clare, My colleagues Sarah J Myhill and Patricia Covarrubia and I at the University of Buckingham understand and agree with all the points you make in your post. A few days ago we also talked with Dr. Helen Taylor about her research. You might like to know that we will have a free conference on this topic at the University of Buckingham on Friday 27, September https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/research/dyslexia-hub/news-and-events I would also like to introduce you to Annabelle Chester BSc, MSc, one of our alumni, who has started a business to encourage and train more employers to understand the great opportunities presented by employing people with dyslexia.
Founding Partner & Creative Lead at CoEX
3 周I completely agree. In many situations, dyslexia offers significant advantages. I always encourage frustrated or concerned parents to read the thoughts of Dr. Helen Taylor
Originator of The Evolution of Complementary Cognition | Research explains how humans adapt and the importance of Dyslexia-associated cognition | Complex Systems Researcher | Speaker | Consultant | Coach
3 周Thank you Clare for such a great summary. As you say, my research shows that rather than a learning disorder, people with dyslexia have a learning specialisation in exploration to create new knowledge. I hope that with more research, we can help shift the negative perceptions around dyslexia once people understand just how important this way of thinking is.?