TUESDAY MORNING FUN

Good Tuesday to all! This morning, I was rudely awakened by my cat, Mr. Boo, at an ungodly hour. Apparently, he decided it was the perfect time to engage in a battle with me, ensuring that I was fully awake. Taking advantage of the early start, I decided to tackle a Literacy and Numeracy test—a prerequisite for enrolling in the Certificate III in Business, which covers office administration and accounting/bookkeeping. As an adult with dyslexia, the prospect of taking the test fills me with dread. Despite being a fairly high-functioning dyslexic, I acknowledge my weaknesses. Over time, I’ve learned to work with my learning disability rather than against it. Wish me luck—I hope to pass and enhance my employability by updating my skills.

**** EDIT: Today is Thursday and this morning I got good news, I got into the course 😊

And yes, there absolutely exists such a thing as a high-functioning dyslexic, regardless of what some people might say!" 😊

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. However, it does not determine an individual’s overall abilities or talents. Many dyslexic individuals possess exceptional skills and talents in various domains1. Let me share some insights about high-functioning dyslexics:

1. Compensated Dyslexics:

• Some individuals with dyslexia are often described as “compensated” dyslexics. These individuals may have experienced reading difficulties during childhood but eventually become capable readers.

• Despite their prior challenges, they develop strategies and mental skills that allow them to read well in adulthood.

• Their reading comprehension skills may even be above average, and many of them successfully pursue higher education and earn advanced degrees2.

2. Brain Differences and Reading Skills:

• Brain research has shown interesting patterns in dyslexics who read well:

• Inverse Brain Activation: Adult dyslexics who read well exhibit an inverse pattern of brain use during phonetic tasks. While typical readers show increased left brain activation for such tasks, this activity is correlated with weaker reading skills among dyslexics.

• Right Brain and Frontal Brain Regions: Dyslexics who read well show greater activity in the right temporal and frontal brain regions instead of the left hemisphere.

• Word Meaning and Vocabulary: The brain areas activated by capable dyslexic readers are tied to understanding word meaning. High-achieving dyslexic readers often perform even better than nondyslexic readers on measures of vocabulary knowledge and comprehension2.

3. Talents and Abilities:

• Dyslexia does not limit an individual’s overall abilities. Many high-functioning dyslexics excel in various fields, including art, music, science, entrepreneurship, and more.

• Their unique perspectives and creative thinking can lead to innovative solutions and breakthroughs.

• Rather than focusing solely on reading difficulties, recognizing and nurturing their talents is essential1.

In summary, being dyslexic doesn’t prevent someone from achieving great things. High-functioning dyslexics demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and unique strengths that contribute positively to society. 😊🌟21

Here are some famous high-functioning dyslexics who have made significant contributions in various fields:

1. Albert Einstein:

• The most influential physicist of the 20th century.

• Despite struggling with grammar and spelling, he excelled in mathematics and science1.

2. Leonardo da Vinci:

• A brilliant artist, inventor, and polymath during the Renaissance.

• His dyslexia didn’t hinder his creativity or innovative thinking1.

3. Steven Spielberg:

• A renowned filmmaker and director.

• Overcame dyslexia to create iconic movies like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and "Jurassic Park"1.

4. Tom Holland:

• The actor known for playing Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

• Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, he’s celebrated for his natural acting ability and athleticism2.

5. Jennifer Aniston:

• The beloved actress from “Friends.”

• Battled dyslexia for 20 years while achieving success in her career3.

6. Steve Jobs:

• Co-founder of Apple Inc.

• His dyslexia didn’t prevent him from revolutionising technology and design4.

7. John Lennon:

• The legendary musician and member of The Beatles.

• Despite spelling difficulties, he wrote timeless songs that continue to inspire generations4.

8. Walt Disney:

• The visionary behind Disney.

• His dyslexia didn’t stop him from creating magical worlds and characters4.

9. Whoopi Goldberg:

• An accomplished actress, comedian, and TV host.

• Overcame dyslexia to win an Academy Award and become a prominent figure in entertainment4.

10. Jamie Oliver:

• Celebrity chef and advocate for healthy eating.

• His dyslexia didn’t hinder his culinary skills or passion for cooking4.

• Remember, dyslexia doesn’t define a person’s abilities—it’s their determination, creativity, and resilience that truly matter! 😊🌟2134