Setting the Stage
When I was 31 in 1981, I was diagnosed with a condition called dyslexia. It is a language-based processing disorder. Those with the condition have problems with reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking. Dyslexia affects each person differently and to different degrees. I need help with spelling, words that look/sound alike, the use of proper tenses, and other issues. One thing that people with dyslexia aren't is dumb. Life is a challenge for those with dyslexia and other forms of learning disabilities. Don't get me wrong, I am not whining or asking for pity. I am not a victim. I am me.
Scientists didn't know much about dyslexia in 1981. So, I needed to learn how to work with the situation. For example, I carried a small address book for years, where I put words I had trouble spelling. I bought my first computer that had the spell-checking ability. I am no longer afraid to ask for help. Nowadays, I use my smartphone to help. Also, I am turning to software programs on the internet. Right now, I am using one to polish my language for you.
For years, I wondered why I couldn't do what most sixth graders could. If I did ask you to read something I wrote, and you pointed out that the correct word was "then," not, "then," or "is," not, "are." Always my instant and silent thought was, "You dumb ass." (Please forgive the foul language, but it is essential to the story.) I remember one day I spent 3 hours trying to figure out how to spell "fare" of bus fare, talk about frustration. I have difficulties when trying to proofread written material. I can read something ten times over several days and still find errors later. You can quickly see how, over the years, I developed a very poor self-image.
Then, my brother was diagnosed with dyslexia, and I started to wonder. So, I made arrangements to find out. I remember crying for the 75 miles I had to travel to the test site. I was afraid they would tell me I didn't have dyslexia and I was just a dumb, stupid person. I cried all the way home because I now knew there was a reason, and the reason had a name. I wasn't dumb or stupid! Just dyslexic.
I never used dyslexia as an excuse or a reason why I shouldn't attempt to do something. I have authored four books, two of which have won awards, multiple study guides, and numerous computer training manuals. When doing all-day lectures for nurses, I got several written comments on the program evaluations that read: "Someone as obviously as intelligent as you should be able to use was/were (or other phrases) properly." My response was to mention at a strategic point once a day that I have dyslexia and expect me to make a few grammar errors. After starting that approach, people would approach me throughout the day. They would say: "I am going to tell my son/daughter/grandchild about you and how successful you are in your life, and they can also." You can see how this disorder can wreck a person's self-image and their life. But the knowledge set me free. I wasn't dumb. I just needed to deal with an issue.
Why I am Sorry
I am sorry that while I had professional editors in the past for my writing projects, I do not currently have an editor for this website. You may/will find some errors. Don't hesitate to let me know. When you point out those errors, please do it respectfully. I may have thicker skin now than when I was 31, but I still get mad at myself. Click here to send an editing message, or go to the contact page and use the link there.
More Information Regarding Dyslexia
Many, many famous and successful people have dyslexia. They didn't or don't let it hold them back from their personal/professional goals and have achieved great things in their respective profession. People like Whoopi Goldberg, Magic Johnson, and Cher are just a few who deal daily with the issues of dyslexia. Please, if you think you or someone in your family, regardless of their age, has dyslexia, give them back their life by getting them help. Other learning disabilities result from broken processing functioning, such as:- Dyscalculia: math processing
- Dysgraphia: writing problems
- Dyspraxia: difficulty with motor skill development
- Executive Functioning: difficulty creating plans, organizing, developing strategy, etc.
Information is available regarding dyslexia and how to get assistance for people of all ages. Do an Internet search for dyslexia. You can start on the National Center for Learning Disabilities site by clicking here.
Remember that dyslexia is not cured. But can be successfully dealt with. Please advocate for your child, grandchild, family member, peers, or yourself. If you think they are experiencing dyslexia, first become informed and get testing done. Help prevent the potential loss of productive life, unnecessary poor self-image, misbehavior, and other forms of underachievement.
Above, I said I didn't have an editor for this project. I have turned to Grammarly for assistance. Is it perfect? Well, I have dyslexia, so I don't know, but it is better than me doing it without bothering my friends for help. PS They are generous with their help, but they have a life, and I don't want to impose.
