Dyslexia is almost always assumed to be an obstacle. And for one in five people who are dyslexic, it can be. Yet for millions of successful dyslexics - including astrophysicists, mystery novelists, and entrepreneurs - their dyslexic differences are the key to their success. In this paradigm-shifting book, neurolearning experts Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide describe exciting new brain science revealing that dyslexic people have unique brain structure and organization. While the differences are responsible for certain challenges with literacy and reading, the dyslexic brain also gives a predisposition to important skills and special talents.
While dyslexics typically struggle to decode the written word, they often also excel in areas such as mechanical reasoning (required for architects and surgeons); interconnected reasoning (artists and inventors); narrative reasoning (novelists and lawyers); and dynamic reasoning (scientists and business pioneers). With much-needed prescriptive advice for parents, educators, and dyslexics, The Dyslexic Advantage provides the first complete portrait of dyslexia. Supporting their claims with groundbreaking science and interviews with successful dyslexics and innovative teachers, the authors of this essential book show how the unique strengths of dyslexia can be captured for success at home, at school, and at work.
©2011 Brock L. Eide and Fernette F. Eide (P)2011 Tantor
"Has the system failed your child?"
I once was called to the school to discuss my son’s lack of “impulse control” with an indignant young overweight teacher. She droned on at me and my son for a while about ways “to gain control of one’s impulses” until my son politely pointed out that she lacked that same impulse control because he could see her sneaking bites from candy bars she kept in her desk when she thought the kids were studying.
For every concerned parent who may be sitting at one of those small desks with your knees near your ears, this month for the parent/teacher meeting, wherein you are told your precious one, whom you KNOW is smart, exciting and articulate, is a 'problem' for the teacher. S/he may not be turning the homework in, could be looking out the window, and may not `follow directions' and certainly not attending to the teacher. S/he may, not be able to read, not be able to spell, may talk too much...
This book will bring a gust of vibrant fresh air to your soul. It is a must to read for any parent or caring person who sees a child struggling with the school systems.
I could not read well when I was in the first grade; I was put in the slow group. Back then, no one knew what dyslexia was. I drew and painted wonderful pink pigs and was told pigs weren't pink, but instead brown, rather like my teacher's personality. I stood in the corner a lot and got failing grades in `citizenship' because I liked to tell stories and my classmates loved to listen to me.
My twin daughters could not read until they were almost nine, but when they finally read, they read Shakespeare.
Do not let the dullards of the linear plodding, miasma; convince you that you have a lazy child or low IQ child or your little one needs drugs to get along with the school system. Don't spank and jawbone the precious one and don't take it personally that they are slower. My grandmother told my mother my development was about QUALITY- not QUANTITY.
Read this book; better still, get it in some audio version, or have your Kindle read it to you as you, too, multi-task. Rejoice that you have a child with a light from which the bushel basket can be removed so they can light the world anew.
One of the subjects of the book graduated from my high school in Richardson, Texas; I saw and experienced much of her same frustration.
"A Guide to those Faced with Dyslexia in Any Arena"
Drs. Brock Eide and Fernette Eide has done a great service to those with Dyslexia, those working with and alongside those with Dyslexia, and those who have small children with Dyslexia. Essentially, they propose that Dyslexia is not a disability, per se, but a different way of thinking. They then set out to explain Dyslexia, discuss the strengths that Dyslexics bring to the workplace and life, and how Dyslexics might be best incorporated into grammar school, college/trade schools and the workplace. It is in the final chapters that the authors provide the most immediate help to those encountering and those with Dyslexia. This book is an eye opener. It should be read by everyone with a Dyslexic child, people concerned about ADA issues, and work supervisors everywhere. This book will give hope to parents, prepare Dyslexics for adulthood, and inform everyone who picks it up. The reading of Paul Costanzo is excellent.
Stumbled upon audio books a little while ago and I enjoy them now. I mostly listen to books related to science, Buddhism, and some fantasy.
"If you know someone who is dyslexic, get this book"
What it won't do is solve all the shortcomings of dealing with dyslexia. What it does do is give a MUCH clearer picture of what dyslexia is. What the shortfalls are exactly, and most surprisingly, and what psychologists seem to be discovering, the strengths are!
In dealing with dyslexia not as a problem, but as different set of strengths, it really put it into perspective for me. It has helped me tremendously in understanding dyslexia so I can in turn help guide those who are discouraged by it.
The narration is over the top "high energy" for me, but once you get past that, there is a lot of information there.
Highly recommended.
"Thinking outside the box"
I'm not dyslexic, and don't know anyone who is, but this was a great explanation of strengths our schools overlook.
As a person with dyslexia, audio books give me the opportunity to "read" wonderful books that I would otherwise miss. Thank you for this fabulous service.
"I kept nodding like a bobble-head!"
It's true! I found myself smiling and nodding throughout this book. What an affirmation for someone who has lived with this for years.
A few months ago, I had read an article in Psychology Today that was the first positive thing I had ever read about dyslexia. Then I found this wonderful book. I have hope now of going back to school and being successful.
One really interesting thing I discovered was that I'm pretty sure now that my father was also dyslexic. He died a long time ago, but he had a lot of the characteristics.
If you are dyslexic or know someone who is, this is a must read. I highly recommend.
"The Light Came On"
I always wondered why I was such a slow reader and since I often confuse words such as left and right (knowing very well which is which) I wondered if this book may offer some answers to my questions. In order to get real answers I'd probably have to be tested, but there where scenarios in the book in which I found myself as in a mirror image. I found it interesting to see how others with severe forms of Dyslexia were able to lead normal and successful lives. I found that very inspiring.
"Recognizing the Advantages!"
This is not a story but rather a text book on how to understand the many strengths that the dyslexic has. Very infomative.
The examples of how having a brain that is 'wired differently' presents itself in the world are meaningful.
The voice felt a bit like an olde time DJs voice or sports announcer.
The true natural leaders of the world - dyslexics - need to be recognized for their style of seeing the world SOONER in their educational career.
"Who knew?"
I prefer audio as I have time to listen but not generally to read.
Seeing for the first time the connection between my dyslexia and my capability for geometric visualization.
Astonishment
A must read for dyslexics who only see the negative in their make up.
"a nice change"
A positive look
Overcoming Dyslexia
ok
no
Most other books look at the dyslexic as broken. They try to say dyslexic is just differently wired, but the rest of most books spend page after page telling you that other people have found ways to cope. The Dyslexic Advantage is the first to explain positive areas of the dyslexic.
"It's Changing My View of Dyslexia"
This book isn't about a "learning disorder". It explains the physiological difference between a normal brain and a dyslexic brain, explains how that change effects thinking patterns, and then breaks down those patterns into the different symptoms (both advantageous and disadvantageous) that they cause in the mind compared to the average mind.
There is a great balance between the technical and generalized knowledge. The authors do an amazing job of stepping us up from general knowledge to higher understanding without getting bogged down in too much of the technical issues.
This is a book about a physiological state, not a story. So, there is no favorite scene.
Personally, I did a little crying because it finally explained a few things about myself that I've known but couldn't fully understand.
This book has had an impact on my life! I don't say that lightly. ANYONE who is or knows someone who is dyslexic or has an undiagnosed mental condition should listen to or read this book!