There are claims being made about the special abilities and strengths of dyslexics, but how reliable is this information? Numerous research studies have examined these claims, and most of them have found no evidence. In fact, in some cases, the opposite has been found. Despite this, the "dyslexic strengths" narrative is everywhere.
Are these white lies? Is there any harm done by telling a dyslexic that he or she has special creative abilities or visual-spatial talents? Arguably, yes, if it invalidates the very real struggles we dyslexics experience. Additionally, if we orient ourselves in this world based on false narratives, we will sooner or later be confronted with reality, and that might be a rude awakening. While there are positive findings about dyslexia, I believe we should approach this topic with caution, with balance.

⏰ Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - My personal perspective
01:00 - Visual Special talents?
02:51 - Creative extraordinary abilities?
04:20 - Individual Strengths

🙋🏼‍♂️ My name is Arije, and I am a dyslexic with an MA in Education Studies and I coach dyslexic adults. I aim to share all my tips for learning, coping, teaching, and more on my channel. For dyslexics, educators, and parents alike, I want to make videos that inform and inspire you to reframe dyslexia.

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Here's some of the literature I consulted to create this video:
Erbeli, F., Peng, P., & Rice, M. (2022). No evidence of creative benefit accompanying dyslexia: A meta-analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 55(3), 242-253.
Majeed, N. M., Hartanto, A., & Tan, J. J. (2021). Developmental dyslexia and creativity: A meta‐analysis. Dyslexia, 27(2), 187-203.
Everatt, J., Steffert, B., & Smythe, I. (1999). An eye for the unusual: Creative thinking in dyslexics. Dyslexia, 5(1), 28-46.
Gilger, J. W., Allen, K., & Castillo, A. (2016). Reading disability and enhanced dynamic spatial reasoning: A review of the literature. Brain and Cognition, 105, 55-65.
Chamberlain, R., Brunswick, N., Siev, J., & McManus, I. C. (2018). Meta‐analytic findings reveal lower means but higher variances in visuospatial ability in dyslexia. British Journal of Psychology, 109(4), 897-916.

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