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Summary
Summary
Two neurolearning experts reveal the hidden benefits of having a dyslexic brain.
In this paradigm-shifting book, neurolearning experts Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide describe an exciting new brain science that reveals 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 such areas of reasoning as mechanical (required for architects and surgeons), interconnected (artists and inventors); narrative (novelists and lawyers), and dynamic (scientists and business pioneers). The Dyslexic Advantage provides the first complete portrait of dyslexia.
Author Notes
Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A., and Fernette Eide, M.D., have an internationally respected and popular private practice based in Seattle, Washington, where they live with their children.
Reviews 2
Publisher's Weekly Review
We've been thinking about dyslexia all wrong, say the Eides, two prominent learning disabilities experts. They argue that the reading disorder isn't just about barriers to learning but about the advantages a dyslexic brain can provide; they offer a new theory of how dyslexic brains process information. Along with some highly accomplished people with dyslexia-like computer pioneer Bill Hewlett, Beatle John Lennon, businessman Charles Schwab, and writer Anne Rice-the Eides explore the lives of ordinary people who've found their different brains took them in extraordinary directions, citing one family of father, daughter, and grandson who all had dyslexia that allowed them to follow their interests in building, design, and invention. The authors carefully dissect the strengths of a dyslexic brain-including spatial reasoning; mechanical ability; better perceptions of analogies, metaphors, and paradoxes; and great recall of personal memories. Here's a practical analysis of a difficult, frustrating disorder that unveils what goes remarkably right as well as what goes wrong. The exploration is encouraging for those hoping to capitalize on their dyslexic advantage, concerned parents, educators, and anyone else interested in how these unique brains work. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
The two Seattle physicians who coauthored The Mislabeled Child here set out to frame dyslexia not as a disability but as a condition that offers clear advantages if properly understood. To this end, they share anecdotes from current students as well as adults who are successful in the fields of engineering, art, and business. Focusing on the strengths associated with dyslexia (these include "material reasoning" through working with building toys and "narrative reasoning" through retaining and building complex stories), they advise parents and educators on how to improve reading and writing skills in dyslexic students. The section outlining how dyslexic individuals can succeed in school, college, and the professional world is the strongest. The theme that runs through the entire work is the need to develop self-esteem in this population. With this boost, it is plausible that families struggling with a child's dyslexia will be given the confidence to reach higher and not accept dyslexia as an excuse for underachievement. VERDICT Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with comprehensive dyslexia collections.-Corey Seeman, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments | p. xi |
Preface | p. xv |
Part I A Matter of Perspective | p. 1 |
Chapter 1 A New View of Dyslexia | p. 3 |
Chapter 2 Dyslexia from Two Perspectives | p. 10 |
Part II How Dyslexic Brains Differ | p. 19 |
Chapter 3 Differences in Information Processing | p. 21 |
Chapter 4 Differences in Brain Structure | p. 31 |
Part III M-Strengths: Material Reasoning | p. 45 |
Chapter 5 The "M" Strengths in MIND | p. 47 |
Chapter 6 The Advantages of M-Strengths | p. 51 |
Chapter 7 Trade-offs with M-Strengths | p. 61 |
Chapter 8 M-Strengths in Action | p. 68 |
Chapter 9 Key Points about M-Strengths | p. 74 |
Part IV I-Strengths: Interconnected Reasoning | p. 77 |
Chapter 10 The "I" Strengths in MIND | p. 79 |
Chapter 11 The Advantages of I-Strengths | p. 85 |
Chapter 12 Trade-offs with I-Strengths | p. 94 |
Chapter 13 I-Strengths in Action | p. 101 |
Chapter 14 Key Points about I-Strengths | p. 105 |
Part V N-Strengths: Narrative Reasoning | p. 109 |
Chapter 15 The "N" Strengths in MIND | p. 111 |
Chapter 16 The Advantages of N-Strengths | p. 115 |
Chapter 17 Trade-offs with N-Strengths | p. 126 |
Chapter 18 N-Strengths in Action | p. 130 |
Chapter 19 Key Points about N-Strengths | p. 133 |
Part VI D-Strengths: Dynamic Reasoning | p. 137 |
Chapter 20 The "D" Strengths in MIND | p. 139 |
Chapter 21 The Advantages of D-Strengths | p. 145 |
Chapter 22 Trade-offs with D-Strengths | p. 151 |
Chapter 23 D-Strengths in Action | p. 157 |
Chapter 24 Key Points about D-Strengths | p. 162 |
Part VII Putting the Dyslexic Advantage to Use | p. 169 |
Chapter 25 Reading | p. 171 |
Chapter 26 Writing | p. 188 |
Chapter 27 Getting a Good Start: Elementary through Middle School | p. 205 |
Chapter 28 Thriving in High School and College | p. 218 |
Chapter 29 Thriving in the Workplace | p. 238 |
Epilogue | p. 250 |
Appendix A Accommodations and Resources | p. 253 |
Appendix B Popular Careers for Individuals with Dyslexia | p. 259 |
Notes | p. 263 |
Index | p. 275 |