How many learning disabilities do you know of? If you’re like most people, dyslexia and ADHD come to mind. But have you heard about dysgraphia, aphasia, dyscalculia, or the myriad of other conditions out there? Here, we’ll explore some of the different learning disabilities out there, how they hinder a student’s learning, and how we can work around those challenges to find the ability within disability.

Dyslexia is perhaps one of the most common learning disabilities out there, with estimates ranging from 5-20% of the population having this condition (International Dyslexia Association, Ontario). As a result, the challenges of dyslexia are more well-known than other learning disabilities. Today, we’re going to add some positivity to the conversation about dyslexia by exploring some surprising ways it can benefit those with the condition!

Dyslexics have better pictorial understanding and picture-thinking abilities. (Montana State University)

Did you know Steven Spielberg and Jamie Oliver have dyslexia? Because many dyslexics struggle with reading, their brains often turn to visual methods of thinking. They have excellent spatial awareness and understanding, an invaluable skill in visual-based industries, such as filmmaking, photography, and modelling. 

Those with dyslexia often have great spoken language skills. (Dyslexia Help, University of Michigan)

Dyslexics are often perceived as struggling students because they may read more slowly than the general population. However, when they hear words instead of seeing them, dyslexics shine. Weaknesses in reading mean dyslexics will often spend more time looking for alternate ways to learn, such as listening to material. They have a great memory for what they hear, can follow the twists and turns in a story, and can be great conversationalists as a result. Keep in mind, however, that every person is different, so you might not see this in everyone, just like all the other benefits discussed in this article!

People with dyslexia have increased creativity and visual arts talents. (Scientific American + Psychology Today) 

Reading changes our brain. Even though books open a wonderful world of stories and knowledge, bookwormish tendencies come with a trade-off. A study in France found that the precise, repetitive visual attention that reading demands takes away from bigger-picture, more diffuse visual abilities.

As a result, dyslexics, who often don’t like to spend their time reading (at least, not to the same extent non-dyslexics do), retain more of those broader abilities. The study suggests this means dyslexics are better at spotting visual oddities and may also show increased creativity and idea generation. 

Although much of the research on the benefits that may come with having dyslexia is in its early stages, it’s safe to say that there are abilities within a ‘disability’.