The challenges associated with dyslexia were first observed as early as the mid-1800s. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that Rudolf Berlin, an ophthalmologist in Stuttgart, Germany, coined the term “dyslexia.” Initially, as it was thought to be a form of ‘word blindness’, but over time, researchers discovered that dyslexia was not just about vision but about brain function and how it processes language.
Today, dyslexia is widely recognised as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling, but also presents unique strengths. According to the NHS, around 1 in 10 people in the UK are dyslexic, while other experts argue that the figure could be 1 in 5. The UK Government estimates 6.3 million people (10% of the population) are dyslexic, and 1 in 6 adults read at the level of an 11-year-old. Dyslexia often coexists with conditions such as dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), adding further complexity to how individuals experience the world.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Dyslexia
Neurodiversity is the understanding that all brains function differently, and dyslexia is simply one variation of this spectrum. Many dyslexic individuals identify as Neuro-different, Neuro-divergent, or part of a Neurominority because their experiences differ from those with neurotypical brains. These differences extend beyond reading and writing, influencing how they:
- Process noise, smells, and textures
- Interpret situations and solve problems
- Visualise and retain information
- Organise daily tasks
- Communicate and express thoughts
- Move and interact with their environment
While dyslexia presents challenges, research increasingly highlights its advantages, particularly in the creative industries. Given the right environment and understanding, dyslexic individuals often excel in problem-solving, innovation, and spatial reasoning, sometimes surpassing their neurotypical peers.
The Creative Connection: Dyslexia and the Arts
The link between dyslexia and creativity has been noted for years, but only recently have researchers and businesses started to fully understand and harness its potential. A study by Universal Music found that 96% of creative companies believe there are clear benefits to having a neurodiverse workforce.
One of the earliest studies into dyslexia and creativity was conducted by Dr. Beverley Steffert, a neuropsychologist who worked with Central St Martins Art School in London during the 1990s. She found that many of the school’s most talented students were dyslexic. While they struggled with reading, writing, and spelling, they had superior visual-spatial abilities and an exceptional ability to think in three dimensions.
“There does seem to be a trade-off between being able to see the world in this wonderfully vivid and three-dimensional way and an inability to cope with the written word,” – Dr. Beverley Steffert.
Similarly, Qona Rankin, Dyslexia Coordinator at the Royal College of Art, noticed that many of the most gifted design students had difficulty with essays and academic writing. This realisation led her to establish the Creative Mentors Foundation, a charity that supports dyslexic and dyspraxic children in accessing arts education within state schools.
A Personal Perspective
As a dyslexic individual with ADHD, I’ve had to develop my own strategies to navigate the challenges. Writing this article required a combination of medication, mindfulness, speech-to-text software, text-to-speech tools, and movement—all carefully adapted to my way of thinking.
Dyslexic creativity is a powerful force, and once embraced, it can lead to ground-breaking innovation in design, technology, and the arts. The key lies in understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals, creating environments where they can thrive, and shifting perceptions to recognise dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a different—and often exceptional—way of thinking.
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Original Blog: Article by Caroline Turner 15th Jul 2021 (link below)
Rachel Bakewell 