Might You Be Dyslexic? How the Recent History of Dyslexia Could Affect YOU!

Throughout recorded history and up until about 25 years ago, dyslexia was little known and less understood. Of course, just like now, approximately 10% of the population suffered from dyslexia in some form and degree. But for most of recorded history no one knew why these people were "different". In the last 25 years we have made enormous strides in understanding dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a neurological condition. It mainly affects the way the brain interprets signals received from the eyes. There are many types of dyslexia, most involve difficulties in reading, in symbol manipulation, going from spoken to written speech, sounding out the spelling of words and/or knowing how to pronounce a new word you read.

Dyslexia characteristics usually manifest themselves first in difficulties in reading, spelling, reading aloud and taking down notes from someone speaking. Historically, people who could not do these things very well were just dismissed as less talented, not suited for certain jobs, a bit slow, etc.

Beginning about 25 years ago and coming into full flower starting 15 years ago, we began to understand dyslexia better. We found that dyslexics learn differently, that they need to be taught in certain ways that are different, ways that take these dyslexia characteristics for learning into account.

Dyslexics see things differently. They can learn to do practically anything that non-dyslexics can, but they learn differently and need to be taught differently, in accordance with their needs. They are not mentally defective or stupid (far from it in fact!) just different.

Now, school age children are routinely screened for dyslexia, and those whose tests show a higher probability for the probblem are sent for full dylexia testing and analysis. They are tested thoroughly, diagnosed for their specific problem areas, and get the kind of training they need to overcome whatever difficulties they had. Thus they are taught how to deal with and overcome any problems to learning.

Those of us who graduated from high school more than 15 years ago generally pre-date the routine testing. We had to work things out on our own, as best we could. Usually we were yelled at and ridiculed because of the differences that our dyslexia characteristics gave us.

As a result most of us were embarrassed, ashamed, ridiculed and made to feel guilty and inferior because of out differences. Almost all dyslexics were scarred by these experiences. All learned to hide their differences.

Today there are still at least a couple of million undiagnosed adult dyslexics. Usual dyslexia symptoms are avoiding tasks or jobs that would require reading aloud or taking down notes, reading meters, etc. Many adult dyslexics are employed in jobs that are clearly below what their general level of intelligence would indicate.

Are you one of these "closet dyslexics", a victim of the sad history of dyslexia? If so, then your life could be drastically improved just by being diagnosed and set on the right path to self-fulfilment.

For many it is a great boost to self-esteem, to understanding themselves better and to being able to use "the gift of dyslexia" (Yes, there is a bright side!) to their advantage rather than letting the dark side of dyslexia hold them back!

If you have any of the characteristics of dyslexia, that would be an indication that you might be dyslexic. The only way to know for sure is to take a full dyslexia test. Recently a simple half-hour test that you can take online, anytime, in the privacy of your home, has become available to English-speaking adults. For details follow the links below...

To find out more about the history of dyslexia, dyslexia symptoms and how to identify them, click on the link in this sentence.

To learn more about dyslexia and dyslexia testing visit: Dyslexia Test

Jorge G. Chavez is a researcher, writer and analyst with a specialty in dyslexia.