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

Now "THIS" is the book I have been waiting for. As a dyslexic myself and the parent of at least one dyslexic (and gifted) child - this book is life changing, especially in terms of the educational outlook for my children. The Eides have done what so many "claim" to do in their books, but never really get there. They show clear, concrete, and proven advantages to the way the brain works for dyslexics, and shows why those advantages have "trade offs" when it comes to learning things such as reading, writing, and spelling. Basically, the way the dyslexic brain works, people with dyslexia tend to be much, much better than average in four particular areas - described as the M.I.N.D. areas. These cover things such as being able to see objects in 3D and manipulate them on ones mind (a great skill for Engineers, designers, builders, etc.), the ability to see advanced and complex connections between things (an amazing skill for systems engineers, entrepreneurs, psychologists, lawyers, etc.), amazing long term memory, etc. While these advantages are amazing, great, needed, and should be utilized to the best of ones ability - these advantages are there because the dyslexic brain is wired in such a way to support them. The down side is this wiring is the most inefficient way to learn the skills of reading, writing, and spelling. While those are true downsides, that doesn't mean dyslexic individuals can't learn to read, write, and spell - most do. The Eides just show a much better route to those skills.Another BIG thing I love about this book is how they extensively cover accommodations (like speech-to-text software and digital books). In most dyslexic individuals, there will be a point in which one reaches diminishing returns in terms of reading, writing, and spelling - no matter how much intervention they won't get any better than that point. However, that doesn't mean their learning must stop - the proper accommodations will allow these individuals to reach their full potential in life. And surprisingly, the full potential of a dyslexic is actually more "successful" than a non-dyslexic. Dyslexic individuals are over represented in the top tiers among almost all professions - especially the sciences, engineering, and creative fields (writing, acting, art, music, etc.). Yes, dyslexics who struggle with reading and writing turn out to be amazing writers of everything from fiction to fantasy books (and I suppose one accommodation is hiring a good editor who can see past the spelling mistakes to the amazing content).The last part of the book deals with the best ways of teaching reading, spelling, and writing to dyslexic individuals - from elementary to college to adults in the workplace. The advice and tips are amazing and I plan on incorporating many of them immediately into our homeschooling plans. They also cover proper accommodations depending on the skill and level of the individual. Another important point of this section is to also encourage the strengths of individuals with dyslexia. Again - there is going to be a point of diminishing returns in teaching reading and writing based skills - so also focus on those areas in which dyslexic individuals thrive.Another area is the best educational options for gifted individuals. Now this will be the area many parents will struggle with. The truth is traditional school environments are NOT set up to accommodate dyslexic individuals. It isn't for lack of want, but many educational institutions just don't fully understand dyslexia for what it is, and what it isn't. As a result, the best fits for dyslexic students (at least for some time in their for educational years) might be special education classrooms (those that focus on education and not so much behavior I am assuming), schools that specialize in teaching dyslexic students, private schools that allow children to work at their own pace (think Sundry or Reggio or Montessori), and finally homeschooling.The final chapter and another gem of this book is the resources section. It has websites and resources to cover the tips they described in the text.A lot of thought and and research, and I believe passion and love went into this book. Again, it really will be a life changer for many individuals with dyslexia (heck, there is even a section that covers adult dyslexics in the workplace!)

This book gives specific references & examples to how and why the dyslexic brain processes the way it does. And presents it with its advantages and trade offs. At the end of the book the authors give specific reference and suggestions on what jobs may best suit each or combo of those processing styles (MIND), as well as reading, writing, thriving in high school & college, and so on.For myslef, after reading this book, I felt like I finally got my 'get out jail free card'. It's like I was interviewed for the book along with these other amazing people who have created wonderful lives for themselves using the advantages of their dyslexic processing brains. I have yet to read a better book that so positively and specifically demonstrates exactly how I view and experience the world, as well as the struggles of explaining what that 'looks' like and why certain things 'just don't work for me'. Despite the typical struggle of school, I have always felt like being dyslexic WAS an advantage but didn't have the verbage to express why/how. Now with this fabulous book as reference, I have access to the comparatives needed to express it / the differences of processing styles. (An example, viewing things in 3D while non-dyslexic processing brains view things in 2D. And so on)And the best part of this book, in my opinion, it presents 'being dyslexic' in a postiive light with the 'trade offs' being secondary, but also workable. All those years of hasty judgements, unkind/cruel words, and misunderstood diagnosis swept away after reading this book.I've purchased two more copies. One for my wonderful Viiolin instructor and the other for a family member who's 5 year old son may also have the same Dyslexic Advantage.With Gratitude to the Eide's for their work and interviews & to all other trailblazers assiting with bringing new light to the dyslexic processing mind.UPDATED: 06 Sept 2015As I mentioned towards the end of my review I purchased a copy for my Violin instructor. She's a saint by all terms as she's patiently worked with me for the past few months, using the info in this book, (as well as her own skill sets of - observation, listening to my feedback & adapting to my 'way' of understanding) - to help me create a 'sheet music' version of the songs I am learning because I can't read the music. The best way I can describe it is if someone were to have vertigo and then try and look at the sheet music. That, and I've asked around and looked on line. I've yet to find any info for/about sheet music for dyslexics. So we are establishing our own based on M. I. N. D. and her musical knowledge.Instead of notes we created a format using colored paper and symbolism for bow strokes and finger position much like one would use a ledger for reading a Thomas Brother Map book. This works comfortably for me from my years of truck driving. I know each of us is different for the way our minds process but I have found this book such a great reference for adapting otherwise almost impossible ways of acheiving certain goals - like playing the violin.Again with Gratitude, I submit this updated review.

This book is a MUST READ for non special ed teachers any parent who's frustrated with their child's seemingly difficulties in listening, listening, and thinking.My frustrations with my child's learning difficulties have greatly diminished (and patience greatly improved!) after reading this book. I long suspected dyslexia but it's not being picked up by screenings at school. After reading this book, I've come to realize that my child has so many earmarks of dyslexia.Reading this book has helped me understand how my child communicates, listens and thinks (or seems to have difficulty doing so with any of those) . It has helped me understand my child's difficulty with auditory processing (especially following directions) and many other things.The chapters are broken up into various strengths of the dyslexic learner, spells out strengths & weaknesses, offers advice on how to capitalize on the strengths, how to support the learner and also offers additional resources. It also names some notable people with the same difficulties.I have recommended this book to my child's teachers and during a meeting with teachers, I referenced several things noted in this book that apply to my daughter. As a result of reading this book, my child is getting further tested and receiving additional help in school.It's amazing what so many educators (and doctors!) do not understand. This book is a MUST READ.

Very insightful, keeps researching wanting to learn more

A must read

Very clear, balancing research and technical information with real life cases.Appropriate for all kind of public interested in understanding this topic and how to better proceed to face the challenges and develop the opportunities that dyslexia brings with it.

I love the focus on the strengths inherent in Dyslexic minds. Like all minds, there are a range of possible strengths & challenges, but our education system puts too much emphasis on the challenges rather than on the strengths of dyslexic minds.If you own, or guide a dyslexic mind - read this book.If you scoff at the idea of schooling NOT focussing on dyslexic challenges...read this book.Taking a strengths based approach to education is a defining concept of inclusive education, and the only way to see the person first, and not the disability.

Livre intéressant.Cela m'a permis de comprendre et me rassurer de n'avoir jamais pu jouer d'un instrument de musique.Une fois cette compréhension passé, le livre pourrait être réduit d'un tiers sans nuire au propos.A des passages on se dit, c'est bon, on a compris.Malgré tout un livre qui marque, même si l'on ne retient pas tout.