Types of Dyslexics, Ep. 1: Identity

Researchers identified three different types of dyslexic identities. The first group sees themselves as differently enabled. In a group with those types of dyslexics, you probably hear about dyslexic strengths, dyslexic advantages, and probably even about dyslexic superpowers. They bring a very positive perspective on dyslexia to the table. At the other end of that spectrum, we find dyslexics describing themselves as disabled. These dyslexics experience their dyslexia mainly as a limitation. They would argue that it is important to see dyslexia as a disability since it ensures that dyslexics receive special education. Lastly, there is a group of dyslexics that sees themselves as socially disabled. These people would probably identify with the social model of disability and movements like Neurodiversity. They are creating awareness that the combination of barriers in society and the individual creates a disabling experience.

⏰ Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - societally-disabled
01:25 - differently-enabled
02:07 - learning-disabled
03:02 - Conclusion

🙋🏼‍♂️ My name is Arije, and I am a dyslexic with an MA in Education Studies. I aim to share all my tips for learning, coping, teaching, and more on my channel. My aim is to help you understand what dyslexia is and how to work with those that have it. Because I believe that, as the most common hidden learning disability, dyslexia needs to be seen to be understood.

COACHING & CONSULTATION

📚Here's some of the literature I consulted to create this video:
Thompson, C., Bacon, A. M., & Auburn, T. (2015). Disabled or differently-enabled? Dyslexic identities in online forum postings. Disability & Society, 30(9), 1328-1344.
Evans, W. (2014). ‘I am not a dyslexic person I'm a person with dyslexia’: identity constructions of dyslexia among students in nurse education. Journal of advanced nursing, 70(2), 360-372.

Icons Used:

[ArijeAikedeHaas]

I feel most strongly about the category socially-disabled. What about you?

[Randoms]

I feel like it really depends for me I’ve seen myself viewing dyslexia all 3 ways. It depends on what part of life I was in at the time. When I was younger I definitely viewed it as a disability I tried my best to hide it. Schooling really failed me I was pulled out a general Ed classes and put in the resource classes I was told that I was smart but just being lazy and not trying hard enough. I lived down to those expectations. I wasn’t able to walk with the rest of my class on graduation day. It wasn’t until later in life that I Realized my brain just works Differently and in a lot of ways depending on the context that can be a gift.

[jonvoss]

I'm 50 years old and only recently started to see my dyslexia as #2 differently-enabled. I wouldn't say it a gift, but there are advantages I've experienced as a designer and creative thinker throughout my career that different from most. I wish I could rewind time and have my current mindset, I know my life would be in a much better place. That being said, it's never too late to change your view. I've read (listened) to the Dyslexic Advantage and it has helped shape my new positive perspective.

[abhikroy]

I belong to all three in a specific proportion...

[karenburgess]

I feel I have a disability. I feel if I don't define my Dyslexia as a "disability", then I don't get access to a justice system or reasonable accommodations which help me to minimise the impact Dyslexia in my life. I feel if I don't frame it as a "disability" then others are not aware of the struggles in reading, writing and numeracy which become a barrier and prevents me for achieving quality in some aspects of my life.

[Magenta_Glorious]

Have you heard of Irlens Syndrome. According to the tested theory - which happened through observing children with learning difficulties with slower or inaccurate reading efforts, diffculty concentrating and focus as words were jumping out off pages, unequal, distorted etc and colour overlays filtered the lightwaves creating visual disturbances for some kids bc the paper was white, however once filtered with appropriate colour lens in glasses the words were readable.

[milebulat]

I think I'm a mix of 1 and 2. Even though I have dyslexia, I excell in many other areas, such as space vision and calculation of many variables using my sight. I have a very good ear for music an sounds in general; I'm smarter than the average person, and tend to learn and understand evrything faster. But I also believe things like time and dates play against me, and that I'm unable to adapt to certain jobs that require extreme punctuality, for example. I find it hard to remember names and dates, meaning I did awful in History at school (I used to hate it xD), but on the other hand, I have great creativity and skills as an artist, even when it comes to writing.
This video was also very helpful, thanks again.

[sheilanicolas]

To repeat the question please, I have to replay to understand the 3 types of identity...btw, is precognition or clairvoyance a bonus unique factor for dyslexics?

[yuanferr]

I see myself as a little of the three. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I have 80% of these difficulties + unusual math difficulty. it's complicated because of the social closed box. it's good because I see other aspects, other paths and abilities, and it's depressing because of the constant failure, double effort to decode the information, whether in the first step, of mental learning, or in the second, where the mind has already understood but does not know how to send the right orders to the body. Was especially depressing before I understand that I wasn't dumb, or completely disinterested.

[bill]

differently-enabled is where im at. I feel I learn much better hands on with something for intense im very mechanically inclined. being dyslexic means you just have to find the right path for you. when i was about 9 i was diagnosed dyslexia and found out im ambidextrous, from that point i didn't have to do french in school and had a lot of help to get my reading and writhing where it is today.

[mvg]

Thanks for the video!!! I'm in the second category

[WVelasco]

Dyslexia stresses me a lot, but I just keep trying. Thank you

[MrJoshDoty]

Fascinating that there was a study done on self perception. We have chatted about this a few times. Is there any correlation with country, age or other factor? I tend to lean in the 3rd category with these caveats: I do firmly believe this condition wouldn’t be a disability if we didn’t live in a hyper literate, low contextual writing society. People with Specific LDs can be gifted, but is, I suspect, at no greater rate than non-LD people (Gifted people are very uncommon. I am not talking about very smart or “talented”). Good one!

[LaurenAnne]

I think I identify with my dyslexia differently depending on what is happening in my life, but I think I mostly see it as the first type with elements of the second. I do think society needs to adjust to neurodivergence and I think that my dyslexia allows me to solve problems in more innovative ways than folks without dyslexia. However, when I am in a classroom or with my peers and my dyslexia is getting causing me to fall behind in the conversation, then I will see it as a barrier to success or just ver frustrating. I have to spend two to three more time studying than my non-dyslexic peers, which can be very demoralizing and can lead to self loathing. That's when I reach out to those in group 1 and 2 for support. I am so grateful that we have online, supportive spaces to help each other through difficult times and to not feel alone. Also, thank you for making these videos!!

[OpalNovaStudio]

For my experience I would put Myself at 2 Differently enabled . After leaving all of the academic environments were I struggled, I found that I thrived in working environments and doing my own creative pursuits. Schools and education were awful, sitting in a classroom all day listening to someone drone on and wanting you to write several paragraphs out of a text book. I think dyslexics thrive on hands on work. I often come up with ideas and fixes that my neurotypical friends don’t see at first and vice versa. We all work together to get the end result

[angelDanJonathan]

3. A nonverbal IQ score doesn't replace the fact that dyslexia is a life altering disability.

[Mitford]

I see myself as a mix of 1 and 3. Back in the early 1960s when I was diagnosed they really didn't know much about dyslexia or what to do about it. I struggled my whole life. I was made fun of and shamed. I was also told I was too stupid to attend college or university. I was shamed into thinking about the only thing I was good for was cleaning toilets or being a permanent welfare recipient. I think how one perceives oneself depends on what era someone grew up in and how their family, teachers, and friends have treated them.

[d-learner]

Parents may have to go down dual tracks. In public and charter schools in the US, the student needs to be labeled to receive services. Most dyslexics are actually a visual learner with dyslexia. These students could be labeled as learning disabled for school and as learning enabled for life. They also tend to have working memory, processing speed and/or visual processing issues. When the visual learner with dyslexia is taught to his or her strengths and their challenges are identified and addressed they can often be far more successful. No cost assessment for the visual learner at www.3dlearner.com/quiz-2

[anakerr]

I’m a mix, some days I feel like it’s a gift some days I feel like it’s a curse.🤦🏾‍♀️

[ellenmendoza]

I'm severely dyslexic it does make life difficult.. I'm 63 things have got so much better..this is first time in my life that I could write anything with out some body to spell for me...people now know about dyslexia and are very helpful..dyslexia is part of me it is the way my brain works.. I worked very hard to learn to read properly. because I knew how it important it is to have access to literature. I don't use it as an excuse but an explanation .. you just have to try harder..I'm now very well read and I listen to audio books.. lots of successful people are dyslexic. It just makes life a bit more challenging