One of the most successful car racers in history, thus far, is Jackie Stewart. He has won twenty-seven Grand Prix titles and knighted by Prince Charles and he is dyslexic. At an international scientific conference on dyslexia he is quoted saying "You will never understand what it feels like to be dyslexic. No matter how long you have worked in this area, no matter if your own children are dyslexic, you will never understand what it feels like to be humiliated your entire childhood and taught every day to believe that you will never succeed at anything."
Three sets of reasons why dyslexia is so complex is: the reading brain has very complicated requirements, countless disciplines have their fingers in its study; and confusing and complex combinations of individual strengths and heartbreaking weaknesses in individuals with dyslexia.
Chapter eight is a long history of dyslexia and the brain. Pictures of brains that show auditory processing, visual processing. Discussions from neurologists, psychologists, pediatric neurologists. The chapter is in-depth and a bit confusing. It has interesting information, but all of it is connected to long studies that, for me, were difficult to decipher and write about. Soooo on to chapter 8, here is crossing our fingers it proves to be better than chapter 7!
Theresa, you continue to do a great job! The brain is complex and is sometimes hard to explain. Great point and definition about dyslexia.
ReplyDeleteDitto! I second what Renee has to say. How can one chapter do justice to the loneliness and isolation one feels from dyslexia; much less how can one chapter totally discribe all the complex nuasince of the brain. Great Job. Melissa
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that the book gave an example of someone who has been very successful in life, even though they struggled with a reading disability for most of their life. Students need to hear about people like that because it really is inspiring and creates a great role model!
ReplyDeleteI really took the quote from Jackie Stewart to heart. It is easy for people without dyslexia to think that they can comprehend it but the reality is that it is impossible. Something to keep in perspective, for sure!
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