I Don't Read Because -- I Have Dyslexia

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

I consider it a tragedy that in this, the richest country in the world, where education is abundant and opportunities grow like fruit on trees, that there are so many adults who do not know how to read well. Every day, as they perform their jobs or read menus or study maps, the frustration builds as they try to accomplish the tasks that lay before them. This situation doesn't just exist in those who didn't go to school. There are those who went to high school, went to college, and struggled every step of the way.

It's possible that they have a learning disability. This is nothing to be ashamed of and it's certainly not rare. There are many adults who are trying to live with undiagnosed dyslexia, wondering why everyone else seems so much smarter than they are, wondering what's wrong with them, and why everything seems to be harder for them. Dyslexia is not a fancy word for being stupid. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being dyslexic. Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Hans Christian Anderson, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Thomas Jefferson were all dyslexic, and they were some of the most brilliant men we've ever known in our history.

Dyslexia simply means that your brain processes things differently from others, and because the world is set up to meet the needs of others, it tends to ignore you. The good news is, there are more programs available than ever before to meet the needs of persons with dyslexia, and they aren't just for children. I just ran a search on Google for adult dyslexia programs, and was very impressed with the resources available. Discussion groups, software, tutoring programs - all designed to support and teach adults without demeaning them or making them feel stupid.

There is help out there for you. You can open the door to the wonderful world of books. Contact your local school or library and ask about programs, or hit the Internet for resources in your area. You will be so glad you did.

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

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