Module 14: The strengths of dyslexia

3.1  Strengths of dyslexia

 

Soft skills such as communication, time management, prioritization, adaptability, analytical thinking, initiative-taking, and empathy are currently highly prized by employers as they are recognized as fundamental to achieving success. These skills are notably associated with dyslexic thinking, highlighting the importance for employers to harness dyslexic talent to remain competitive.

 

While tasks traditionally challenging for dyslexic individuals, like spelling, reading, and memorization, are increasingly automated, the soft skills highly valued in today’s workplaces—communication, creativity, complex problem-solving, and interpersonal skills—are precisely where individuals with dyslexia often excel, providing a unique advantage over machines.

 

According to ‘The Dyslexic Dynamic’ report, available at https://www.madebydyslexia.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/08/The-Dyslexic-Dynamic-Report.pdf, employers’ top sought-after skills closely align with those of dyslexic thinkers. These include accountability, resilience, initiative-taking, reasoning, social influence, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. This underscores the significance of recognizing and leveraging dyslexic talent in the workforce. 

 

Top ten skills that employers are looking for correspond closely to the skills of dyslexic thinkers:

1)    Accountability, reliability & discipline

2)    Resilience, stress tolerance & adaptability

3)    Initiative taking

4)    Reasoning & problem-solving

5)    Leadership & social influence

6)    Critical thinking & analysis

7)    Collaboration & teamwork

8)    Creativity & originality

9)    Active learning & curiosity

10) Adaptability

 

Firstly, dyslexic adults often exhibit strengths in determination and resilience within the workplace. Their cognitive abilities tend to favour big-picture thinking and creativity, while interpersonal skills such as teamwork and empathy are also prominent.

 

Moreover, dyslexic individuals often possess entrepreneur-specific skills like vision, effective communication, proactivity, and a penchant for freedom. Research underscores the considerable success of dyslexic individuals across various professions, including business, healthcare, education, and academia. Davis and Braun (1987) identified “eight gifts” associated with dyslexia, including the capacity to alter perceptions, environmental sensitivity, curiosity, pictorial thinking, intuition, multidimensional thought, experiencing thought as reality, and a vivid imagination.

 

The visual-spatial talents inherent in dyslexia render individuals adept at grasping the complexities of emerging technologies, aligning them well with the demands of a technologically advanced society. Additionally, dyslexics often demonstrate dominance in utilizing right-brain abilities, further solidifying their value in future technological landscapes.

 

Lastly, a literature review suggests that dyslexia is associated with strengths such as high-level reasoning, critical thinking, exceptional problem-solving abilities, deep learning approaches, lateral thinking, and, once again, determination and resilience.

 

[Kannangara, C, Carson, J, Puttaraju, S, Allen, R (2018) Not all those who wander are lost: Examining the character strengths of dyslexia. Global Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Volume 4]

 

Top dyslexic strengths, trending competencies, all industries, 2022

At an aggregate level, there are various trending competencies that organisations can tap into from dyslexia.

 

 

Exceptional	Very strong	Strong
Leadership and social influence	Complex problem-solving	Critical thinking and analysis
Creativity, originality and initiative	Analytical thinking and innovation	Emotional intelligence
	Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation
	Active learning and learning strategies
	Technology design and programming

 

Dyslexic strengths: skills, abilities and tasks, all industries, 2022

At an individual level, there are various skills, abilities and tasks that organisations can tap into from dyslexia.

 

 

Skills	Abilities	Tasks
Active listening	Originality	Creativity
Management of personnel	Spatial abilities	Social influence
Critical thinking	Idea generation and reasoning abilities	Innovation
Complex problem-solving	Visual abilities	Leadership
Programming	Perceptual abilities	Social orientation
Systems analysis	Quantitative abilities	Autonomy
Writing	Verbal abilities	Initiative
Science		Analytical thinking
Technology design		Responsibility
Learning strategies		Cooperation

The Value Of Dyslexia

(https://www.madebydyslexia.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/08/EY-the-value-of-dyslexia.pdf)

 

3.1.1      High-level reasoning and visual-spatial abilities, thinking in 3D

 

Research indicates that individuals with dyslexia possess advanced reasoning skills, particularly in areas such as mental, interconnected, narrative, and dynamic reasoning. Dyslexic individuals exhibit greater accuracy in processing multi-perspective 3-D information, showcasing their proficiency in spatial activities like drawing and model building. This proficiency extends to tasks involving virtual reality, where dyslexic adolescents outperform peers in reconstructing 3-D structures from memory.

 

Moreover, dyslexic individuals demonstrate an enhanced capacity to process visual-spatial information holistically, beneficial in tasks involving recognition of impossible figures and other visual-spatial challenges. This correlation between dyslexia and visual processing suggests neurological advantages that are advantageous in fields like astronomy.

 

As a result, there is a growing trend of dyslexic students pursuing courses in creative arts rather than traditional fields like economics and law. Their strengths in narrative reasoning contribute to their preference for storing memories in personal narratives, aiding in learning and retention through creative storytelling.

 

Dyslexia is also associated with strengths in dynamic reasoning, enabling individuals to excel in tasks involving pattern recognition and memorization of complex images. Their heightened peripheral vision and ability to recall voices from various locations highlight their broader attentional focus, making them well-suited for roles requiring multitasking and sensitivity to environmental changes.

 

Furthermore, dyslexic individuals often have a precise picture-like memory, enabling them to imagine interactions between objects, places, and people in great detail. This skill finds applications in various domains, including visual and performing arts, sports, architecture, engineering, and product design.

 

For instance, James Russell, the inventor of the Compact Disc (CD), attributed his success to his ability to design inventions in vivid detail in his mind before implementation. Dyslexic individuals also excel in fields like engineering, industrial and graphic design, architecture, and construction.

 

In summary, dyslexic individuals possess diverse talents and capabilities, offering valuable contributions across professional domains. Their strengths in spatial awareness, narrative reasoning, and dynamic reasoning make them well-suited for roles requiring creativity, problem-solving, and spatial manipulation.

 

3.1.1.1 Interconnected reasoning

 

Interconnected reasoning involves the capacity to recognize similarities, analogies, and causal relationships, as well as to understand multiple perspectives. Those proficient in interconnected reasoning can grasp the overarching context or “gist” of a situation, facilitating the identification of novel connections and insights that others may overlook.

 

Many individuals with dyslexia thrive in interdisciplinary fields or professions that necessitate the integration of perspectives and techniques from diverse backgrounds or disciplines.

 

3.1.1.2 Improved pattern recognition

 

Individuals with dyslexia often possess the capacity to perceive connections within intricate systems and recognize similarities across various elements. These strengths hold particular relevance in disciplines such as science and mathematics, where visual representations play a pivotal role.

 

3.1.1.3 Pattern narrative reasoning

 

Individuals with dyslexia frequently recall facts through experiences, examples, or narratives rather than abstract concepts. Their proficiency in storytelling and narrative comprehension makes them well-suited for careers where these skills are vital, such as sales, counselling, physiotherapy, trial law, and teaching. Moreover, dyslexic individuals are prominently represented among professional writers.

 

3.1.1.4 Dynamic reasoning

 

Dynamic reasoning encompasses the capability to reason and forecast outcomes in environments characterized by evolving or incomplete information. This skill correlates with interconnected reasoning and the aptitude to perceive overarching patterns. Individuals endowed with these strengths frequently pursue careers in sectors such as business, financial markets, or scientific disciplines that involve reconstructing past events, such as geology or palaeontology. They exhibit comfort in navigating fluid processes and making anticipations.

 

3.1.1.5 Narrative reasoning

 

Dyslexia often fosters strong storytelling abilities, a trait evident in the success of renowned authors and screenwriters. However, this skill extends beyond literature to various professions. Alongside the capacity to convey information in engaging and straightforward manners, adept storytelling proves valuable in fields such as advertising, marketing, teaching, and coaching.

 

Proficient communication ranks among the primary attributes sought by employers across industries. As technology assumes more technical tasks, employers increasingly prioritize candidates who excel in interpersonal communication over those solely focused on desk-based activities. Dyslexic individuals often remember facts akin to engaging narratives, leveraging narrative reasoning to enhance memory retention and contextual comprehension.

 

3.1.2      Memory and problem-solving

 

Dyslexic individuals are renowned for their unconventional problem-solving methods, often characterized by intuitive leaps of insight. This approach involves navigating around obstacles to allow connections to form organically.

 

Possessing superior cognitive abilities, dyslexic individuals excel in recognition memory tasks and exhibit remarkable creativity, perceptiveness, and interdisciplinary thinking. Their capacity to recombine information enables them to process connections at a broader level, diverging from conventional associations to engage in “out-of-the-box” thinking.

 

Furthermore, dyslexic individuals excel in grasping the broader context of problems or ideas, prioritizing the overall meaning over specific details. This ability, known as “gist detection,” allows them to comprehend concepts or events more effectively.

 

When confronting challenges, dyslexic individuals embrace an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing diverse methods to address problems from multiple angles and innovate solutions.

 

3.1.3      Creativity

 

Individuals with dyslexia often develop strong creative problem-solving skills to overcome the challenges they face on a regular basis. Employers value this skill, although it may not always be explicitly stated in job advertisements, as workplaces and job requirements evolve alongside technology.

 

Problem-solving is fundamental in every job, and the ability to effectively solve specific problems can significantly advance one’s career prospects. Every job essentially exists to address a particular problem, so it can be beneficial during the application and interview process to inquire about the specific challenges associated with a role and provide examples of past experiences demonstrating relevant problem-solving skills.

 

Dyslexic individuals are frequently recognized for their creative thinking abilities, which complement their problem-solving skills and make them well-suited for various roles, from the arts to marketing. Creativity is often misunderstood; it encompasses the ability to generate new ideas and approaches regardless of the context. In commercial settings, creativity remains essential as businesses constantly seek innovative solutions to improve their operations.

 

Dyslexic individuals often excel in non-linear thinking, allowing them to approach problems from unconventional angles and generate fresh, lucrative ideas. Research comparing the visual-spatial creativity of dyslexic and non-dyslexic students has revealed significant differences, with dyslexic individuals demonstrating higher levels of creativity. This creativity is attributed to heightened activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, emphasizing the importance of career paths that encourage creative expression in individuals with dyslexia.

 

3.1.4      Interpersonal strengths

 

In addition to their creative and cognitive advantages, dyslexic adults excel in networking and teamwork. Teachers with dyslexia often prioritize empathy and understanding in their teaching methods, using their strengths to overcome challenges. Similarly, student teachers with dyslexia emphasize the importance of supportive environments and being heard, underscoring their empathetic nature and reinforcing the compassionate traits often associated with dyslexia.

 

Furthermore, dyslexic student nurses demonstrate a lower dropout rate, indicating their ability to thrive in professions like teaching and training by leveraging their strengths. Recent research into dyslexic strengths aligns closely with a positive model proposed by Vail over 25 years ago, highlighting dyslexic individuals’ superior traits such as curiosity, empathy, energy, divergent thinking, and exceptional memory.

 

3.1.5      Determination and resilience

 

Research indicates that individuals with dyslexia encounter significant academic and psychological hurdles due to their condition. Despite these challenges, their resilience levels remain robust. In fact, individuals with dyslexia often exhibit levels of resilience equal to, if not greater than, their non-dyslexic peers. While dyslexia presents various learning difficulties, especially in reading and writing, it does not necessarily deter individuals from pursuing higher education or excelling in their chosen fields. Unlike some other learning challenges, dyslexia does not appear to inhibit an individual’s capacity to achieve at the highest professional level.

 

Resilience, particularly in the business context, denotes the innate ability to rebound from setbacks, adapt to change, and persist in the face of adversity. It is crucial for both individuals and businesses to possess this quality to thrive and progress. Resilience empowers businesses to view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a deterrent to progress. Resilient organizations cultivate a culture of experimentation and innovation, fostering an environment where failure is regarded as a stepping stone toward success.

 

Moreover, resilience within the workplace helps mitigate the effects of pressure and stress, reducing the likelihood of burnout and presenteeism. By fostering greater resilience among employees, organizations can sustain their passion for their roles, enabling them to remain engaged and productive even in the face of challenges or setbacks.

 

 

3.1.6      Seeing the bigger picture

 

Individuals with dyslexia often possess a holistic perspective, absorbing stimuli and information from diverse sources within their environment and integrating them to form a comprehensive understanding. This ability can be advantageous for fostering strategic thinking, a trait highly valued in graduate-level positions.

 

As Richard Branson reflects in his memoir “Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way” (Times Business, 1998), his early experiences with dyslexia may have heightened his intuition. Instead of fixating on intricate details when reviewing written proposals, Branson finds that his imagination instinctively grasps the essence of the content and expands upon it.

 

3.1.7      Finding the odd one out

 

Individuals with dyslexia often demonstrate proficiency in global visual processing, which involves perceiving visual stimuli as a whole rather than focusing on individual components. They also excel in detecting impossible figures, such as optical illusions, and possess a keen ability to identify anomalies within large sets of visual data.

 

The prevalence of dyslexic individuals in the field of astrophysics has sparked research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Studies have confirmed that individuals with dyslexia exhibit superior skills in identifying and memorizing complex images.

 

Furthermore, individuals with dyslexia typically engage in visual thinking rather than relying heavily on verbal processing. Research conducted at the University of California has revealed that children with dyslexia demonstrate enhanced picture recognition memory.

In today’s visually driven world, characterized by infographics, memes, and online advertising, this innate strength in visual communication could prove highly advantageous.

 

 

3.1.8      People skills

 

Dyslexic individuals frequently exhibit strong relational skills, allowing them to establish meaningful connections with others and intuitively understand their perspectives. This ability extends to interpreting non-verbal cues and expressions, enabling dyslexic individuals to grasp unspoken thoughts and emotions effectively. These skills prove invaluable across various professions, particularly in people-oriented roles like teaching, coaching, sales, negotiation, HR, counseling, and crisis intervention.

 

Moreover, many dyslexic individuals possess remarkable empathetic abilities, cultivated through their own experiences navigating reading and writing challenges. This heightened empathy fosters a deeper understanding of others’ struggles and drives dyslexic individuals to offer compassionate support and guidance. Despite facing difficulties with written language, dyslexic individuals excel in deciphering people’s emotions and articulating solutions to address their concerns, demonstrating both insight and consideration in their interactions.

 

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience within businesses, as leaders significantly influence the organizational culture and work environment. Effective leaders adeptly communicate cultural values, fostering a positive atmosphere that cultivates employee engagement, loyalty, and a sense of purpose. Dyslexic adults, renowned for their high-level abstract thinking and exceptional interpersonal skills, often emerge as exemplary leaders who inspire teamwork and collaboration among team members.

 

 

3.1.9      “Big picture” thinkers

 

While dyslexia may pose challenges with processing fine details, individuals with dyslexia often excel at grasping the broader scope of concepts and projects, understanding how various components interconnect to achieve overarching goals. This ability is particularly valuable in roles that demand strategic thinking and planning, where individuals must conceptualize and coordinate complex initiatives.

 

Moreover, this skill has become increasingly relevant across various job roles as workplaces evolve. Understanding one’s role within the broader organizational framework and collaborating effectively with colleagues from diverse departments are essential for maximizing productivity and achieving collective objectives. Thus, dyslexic individuals’ aptitude for holistic thinking and contextual understanding proves advantageous in navigating modern professional environments.

 

3.1.10   Identifying trends and anticipating future events

 

Research indicates that a significant number of successful entrepreneurs, including figures like Sir Richard Branson, are dyslexic. The entrepreneurial journey often requires an acute understanding of market trends and the ability to anticipate future developments based on these insights and personal experience—qualities that dyslexic individuals frequently possess.

 

Furthermore, the demand for these skills is on the rise across various industries and sectors. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights to inform their strategies and decision-making processes, there is a growing need for individuals who excel at analysing complex data sets and deriving actionable recommendations. Numerous studies highlight analytical proficiency as a key skill sought after in the current and future job market.

 

  

3.1.11   Imaginative

 

Dyslexics can really envision a fantastic view of the world. They make great use of their imaginations, hence all the artists, actors, and authors with dyslexia. They have a keen sense of curiosity and interest.

Imagination is particularly important in today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, where organizations are facing an increasing number of challenges and uncertainties. To remain competitive and relevant, organizations must be able to adapt and innovate quickly.

 

3.1.12   Abstract thinking

 

Abstract thinking entails contemplating concepts that extend beyond physical observation. This includes recognizing patterns, analysing ideas, synthesizing information, solving problems, and creating new concepts. Those adept at abstract thinking excel at challenging conventional thoughts and pushing the boundaries of understanding. Their ability stems from their innate comprehension of the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and interact with the world. Moreover, they grasp intangible concepts, such as courage, affection, and deceit, which are fundamental aspects of human experience.

 

3.1.13   Critical thinking 

Some dyslexics demonstrate a notable aptitude for logical reasoning. They possess the ability to discern the distinctions between various topics and employ critical thinking to address challenges. Critical thinking facilitates the exploration of diverse viewpoints and potential consequences, facilitating the selection of optimal solutions. Evaluating information, data, and facts is crucial for making well-informed decisions. A workforce equipped with critical thinking skills excels at collecting, analysing, and synthesizing information, resulting in strategic, informed, and impartial decisions. Consequently, this reduces errors and enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes, establishing a framework for enduring success.