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The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...and How They Can Learn
The author shares the startling discovery that enabled him to overcome his own dyslexia, reveals how dyslexia can be related to high levels of intelligence, and offers a plan that anyone with dyslexia can use to conquer the common disability. Original. Tour.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1993
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January 16, 2024
DONO?!
Questo libro elenca (ovviamente e) dettagliatamente i problemi connessi alla dislessia: lettura, scrittura (disgrafia), matematica (discalcolia – e, i problemi con la matematica possono andare di pari passo con quelli in ambito musicale), difficoltà di attenzione, iperattività.
Goffaggine.
Disorientamento.
Confusione.
Distorsione….
I dislessici soffrono, o hanno sofferto – hanno vissuto, o vivono: frustrazione umiliazione impotenza esclusione…
Lo testimonia lo stesso Ron Davis nella prefazione raccontando un episodio della sua vita, un dolore vissuto direttamente sulla sua pelle di bambino dislessico affetto da enuresi diurna.
Quello che questo libro non spiega è perché tutto questo si possa, o perfino, si debba, considerare un dono.
Non riesco a vedere quale dono possa essere avere più problemi degli altri.
Compare perfino il solito specchietto dei “dislessici famosi”, tanto per rassicurare un po' mamme e papà di figli dislessici (un genietto in famiglia non si nega a nessuno): a parte che si mischia rape e aragosta (Danny Glover accanto a Leonardo da Vinci – che senso ha?!) – ma si tratta di un elenco di soli 24 nomi a fronte dei milioni di persone che hanno dovuto affrontare, e in qualche modo risolvere, la dislessia!
Quei milioni di dislessici che non hanno, o non hanno avuto, la fortuna di incontrare, o potersi permettere, il metodo Davis, rimangono nelle sabbie mobili dell’ignoranza generale e generalizzata, istituzionalizzata, mimetizzata dietro buona volontà e paternalismo: e si sa che, nelle sabbie mobili, se ti agiti, finisci sommerso più presto che se stai fermo e subisci.
Solo un esempio di come appare una scritta agli occhi di un dislessico, la situazione è perfino più complicata.
Questo libro elenca (ovviamente e) dettagliatamente i problemi connessi alla dislessia: lettura, scrittura (disgrafia), matematica (discalcolia – e, i problemi con la matematica possono andare di pari passo con quelli in ambito musicale), difficoltà di attenzione, iperattività.
Goffaggine.
Disorientamento.
Confusione.
Distorsione….
I dislessici soffrono, o hanno sofferto – hanno vissuto, o vivono: frustrazione umiliazione impotenza esclusione…
Lo testimonia lo stesso Ron Davis nella prefazione raccontando un episodio della sua vita, un dolore vissuto direttamente sulla sua pelle di bambino dislessico affetto da enuresi diurna.
Quello che questo libro non spiega è perché tutto questo si possa, o perfino, si debba, considerare un dono.
Non riesco a vedere quale dono possa essere avere più problemi degli altri.
Compare perfino il solito specchietto dei “dislessici famosi”, tanto per rassicurare un po' mamme e papà di figli dislessici (un genietto in famiglia non si nega a nessuno): a parte che si mischia rape e aragosta (Danny Glover accanto a Leonardo da Vinci – che senso ha?!) – ma si tratta di un elenco di soli 24 nomi a fronte dei milioni di persone che hanno dovuto affrontare, e in qualche modo risolvere, la dislessia!
Quei milioni di dislessici che non hanno, o non hanno avuto, la fortuna di incontrare, o potersi permettere, il metodo Davis, rimangono nelle sabbie mobili dell’ignoranza generale e generalizzata, istituzionalizzata, mimetizzata dietro buona volontà e paternalismo: e si sa che, nelle sabbie mobili, se ti agiti, finisci sommerso più presto che se stai fermo e subisci.
Solo un esempio di come appare una scritta agli occhi di un dislessico, la situazione è perfino più complicata.
May 31, 2012
Where do I start with this book? Where do I start?
The Gift of Dyslexia is filled with unsubstantiated pseudo-science (go look up all Ron Davis’s credentials – oh wait, he has none!), but even if we take his anecdotal evidence as fact, there’s still a big, huge flaw.
Davis posits that dyslexics’ brains work very, very fast, and they are able to instantly view any object from hundreds of different angles. Great for identifying things around you, he says, but not great for reading, where you need to understand the words on the page as symbols, rather than as objects.
The ability to “see in 3D”, which Davis’s theory hinges upon, is well-established in the field of dyslexia. But, crucially, just as well established is the fact that not all dyslexics have this ability. For that matter, not all dyslexics have problems reading. (For many dyslexics, their problem area is Maths, for example.) And, even if you do use Davis’s techniques to refocus this ability to see in 3D, what about other classic dyslexic weaknesses, like poor working memory and problems with auditory discrimination (distinguishing between similar letter-sounds)? Are we just supposed to pretend those don’t exist?
At best, this book should be retitled The Gift Of A Select Number of Dyslexics. And if it were viewed, as it should be, as a radical reading of dyslexia (a bit like “The Gift of Dyslexia is to Educational Psychology is as The Secret is to financial planning”), I couldn’t begrudge that.
Yet, the fact is, if you type “dyslexia” into Amazon.co.uk, this is the first book you are offered (it’s number 3 on Amazon.com). This is what people are reading to understand dyslexia! All Davis offers is unsubstantiated personal experience spun into “science”. Plus, learning techniques that, at best, involve repetition through multi-sensory learning (which is about the most basic remedial learning technique there is) and, at worst, involve bonkers magical thinking.
The fact that Ron Davis has clearly made a lot of money, both through the sale of this book and by “franchising” his learning techniques, really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
MINUS 15 STARS.
The Gift of Dyslexia is filled with unsubstantiated pseudo-science (go look up all Ron Davis’s credentials – oh wait, he has none!), but even if we take his anecdotal evidence as fact, there’s still a big, huge flaw.
Davis posits that dyslexics’ brains work very, very fast, and they are able to instantly view any object from hundreds of different angles. Great for identifying things around you, he says, but not great for reading, where you need to understand the words on the page as symbols, rather than as objects.
The ability to “see in 3D”, which Davis’s theory hinges upon, is well-established in the field of dyslexia. But, crucially, just as well established is the fact that not all dyslexics have this ability. For that matter, not all dyslexics have problems reading. (For many dyslexics, their problem area is Maths, for example.) And, even if you do use Davis’s techniques to refocus this ability to see in 3D, what about other classic dyslexic weaknesses, like poor working memory and problems with auditory discrimination (distinguishing between similar letter-sounds)? Are we just supposed to pretend those don’t exist?
At best, this book should be retitled The Gift Of A Select Number of Dyslexics. And if it were viewed, as it should be, as a radical reading of dyslexia (a bit like “The Gift of Dyslexia is to Educational Psychology is as The Secret is to financial planning”), I couldn’t begrudge that.
Yet, the fact is, if you type “dyslexia” into Amazon.co.uk, this is the first book you are offered (it’s number 3 on Amazon.com). This is what people are reading to understand dyslexia! All Davis offers is unsubstantiated personal experience spun into “science”. Plus, learning techniques that, at best, involve repetition through multi-sensory learning (which is about the most basic remedial learning technique there is) and, at worst, involve bonkers magical thinking.
The fact that Ron Davis has clearly made a lot of money, both through the sale of this book and by “franchising” his learning techniques, really leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
MINUS 15 STARS.
August 16, 2023
dnf at like half way
this is such an irresponsible that makes outrageous claims with absolutely no evidence
it’s not revised or updated and belongs in a museum of how dyslexia used to be understood
absolute. trash.
this is such an irresponsible that makes outrageous claims with absolutely no evidence
it’s not revised or updated and belongs in a museum of how dyslexia used to be understood
absolute. trash.
June 6, 2020
There appears to be some controversy around this book. Those who rate it poorly seem to do so based merely on the fact that the theory that Davis posits is not supported (or referenced) by scientific data. Those who rate it (and the program itself, elsewhere) well do so because they or someone they love have personally experienced the program or the effects described in the book and can affirm it first-hand.
I think it's a great theory. It opened my eyes, as a Grade 3 teacher who has very poor visual-spatial reasoning, to the way some of my students might be learning and how I might better teach them.
And if it is not backed by anything but experience -- that of Ron Davis and thousands more dyslexics who have benefitted from his theory and counseling program -- so what? Experience should not be discounted simply because it has yet to be proven scientifically. It would be like hiring one candidate who has lots of degrees but less experience versus hiring someone who gained a lot of knowledge through experience, but not through school.
Davis' experience has benefitted lots of dyslexics. His book has benefitted me to see things from a different perspective. Pun fully intended.
I think it's a great theory. It opened my eyes, as a Grade 3 teacher who has very poor visual-spatial reasoning, to the way some of my students might be learning and how I might better teach them.
And if it is not backed by anything but experience -- that of Ron Davis and thousands more dyslexics who have benefitted from his theory and counseling program -- so what? Experience should not be discounted simply because it has yet to be proven scientifically. It would be like hiring one candidate who has lots of degrees but less experience versus hiring someone who gained a lot of knowledge through experience, but not through school.
Davis' experience has benefitted lots of dyslexics. His book has benefitted me to see things from a different perspective. Pun fully intended.
December 12, 2008
The Gift of Dyslexia talks of an interesting brain disorder, common among geniuses (Such as Albert Einstien and Leonardo Da Vinci). This disorder, if not dealt with properly, can make a person's life extremely difficult.
What I loved about this book is how it tries to make you feel the way a Dyslexic feels, showing, in detail, how a dyslexic perceives things, and this is made possible because the author himself is a dyslexic. And at the same time while describing how dyslexia can make life difficult, he is showing us how the same kind of problem results in brain power beyond our imagination.
To explain it simply, while very young, dyslexic children develop a skill. This skill allows them to see things in a different way, be able to move around the place with their minds eye and somehow be able to deduce things that are not visible from where they're standing. This is possible because this is skill does not use our slow linear approach of thinking, but another very sophisticated non-linear approach.
What happens then is the obvious. If you don't practice and use any part of your body, it's not going to be as strong or effective when you need it. This child does not need the slow linear thinking approach, so she never uses it. But guess what? Our language depends on such an approach, especially written language. Thus, when the child gets to the point where she needs to read, she will try to use the non-linear approach, and - to everyone's disappointment - it will not work.
The book goes into this in a very nice fashion. Later, it gives an approach used by the institute created by the author to help dyslexics improve whatever skills they're missing and be able to use their skills to handle normal everyday situations.
I do recommend this book to everyone who knows a dyslexic or wants to learn more about this fascinating disorder.
What I loved about this book is how it tries to make you feel the way a Dyslexic feels, showing, in detail, how a dyslexic perceives things, and this is made possible because the author himself is a dyslexic. And at the same time while describing how dyslexia can make life difficult, he is showing us how the same kind of problem results in brain power beyond our imagination.
To explain it simply, while very young, dyslexic children develop a skill. This skill allows them to see things in a different way, be able to move around the place with their minds eye and somehow be able to deduce things that are not visible from where they're standing. This is possible because this is skill does not use our slow linear approach of thinking, but another very sophisticated non-linear approach.
What happens then is the obvious. If you don't practice and use any part of your body, it's not going to be as strong or effective when you need it. This child does not need the slow linear thinking approach, so she never uses it. But guess what? Our language depends on such an approach, especially written language. Thus, when the child gets to the point where she needs to read, she will try to use the non-linear approach, and - to everyone's disappointment - it will not work.
The book goes into this in a very nice fashion. Later, it gives an approach used by the institute created by the author to help dyslexics improve whatever skills they're missing and be able to use their skills to handle normal everyday situations.
I do recommend this book to everyone who knows a dyslexic or wants to learn more about this fascinating disorder.
August 14, 2011
Interesting to hear someone describe a very different way of seeing the world and of learning - trying to understand different learning styles is good for educators. I just wished Davis had presented more science behind claims like "the dyslexic thinks 20 to 400 times faster than other people" Huh? where did that information come from?
March 7, 2016
A mixed bag of sound theory and flimsily backed up practice, The Gift of Dyslexia is an interesting and passionate look at one side of dyslexia's huge spectrum. It begins with a comprehensive explanation of the visual processing differences seen in some dyslexics, namely the almost magical ability to see the world from an almost limitless amount of angles and dimensions. Looked at with Davis's positive slant, the most admirable quality of this elegy to something ordinarily seen as a disability or as simple lack of intelligence, dyslexia is described as something akin to a creative superpower just ready to be unlocked. It's well argued and perfectly visible if, for example, you work as a teacher and see these traits in children who struggle at the more traditional aspects of school life. His focus on the visual and on the stimulus of creativity is something that would seem to me to be beneficial to most young learners and what is refreshing is Davis's refusal to label young learners with weaknesses or to call struggling students stupid.
The second half of the book is more problematic. Davis is very confident of the success rate of his 'focus point' therapy, something that, many years later, would seem to be optimistic given that so many dyslexics still suffer under the labels of 'disability' and 'slow learner'. The unfortunate truth seems to be that the meticulously described therapy is not as effective as described or it is only valid for one small section of the dyslexia spectrum - unfortunate as well because it seems Davis falls into the same labeling trap of categorising all literacy learning problems as the same thing, or as coming from the same source. Coupled with the superlative image of dyslexia's superpowers and the vague terminology used to explain the movements of the mind's eye as something almost tangible, the methodology loses weight and persuasiveness. A detailed, heart-felt, useful book for anyone who as worked with children who struggle to learn to read and write, but I think most of those same readers will find gaps in the arguments leaving room to be cynical. 4
The second half of the book is more problematic. Davis is very confident of the success rate of his 'focus point' therapy, something that, many years later, would seem to be optimistic given that so many dyslexics still suffer under the labels of 'disability' and 'slow learner'. The unfortunate truth seems to be that the meticulously described therapy is not as effective as described or it is only valid for one small section of the dyslexia spectrum - unfortunate as well because it seems Davis falls into the same labeling trap of categorising all literacy learning problems as the same thing, or as coming from the same source. Coupled with the superlative image of dyslexia's superpowers and the vague terminology used to explain the movements of the mind's eye as something almost tangible, the methodology loses weight and persuasiveness. A detailed, heart-felt, useful book for anyone who as worked with children who struggle to learn to read and write, but I think most of those same readers will find gaps in the arguments leaving room to be cynical. 4
October 23, 2008
I was referred to this book by a couple of people because I was concerned about my daughter having some form of dyslexia. This book helps give a real paradigm shift on the subject. It is written by a man who grew up with a severe form of it, and his discoveries as he taught himself and others how to overcome it. If your child does not have dyslexia, you will wish they did after reading this book. It is so positive about the dyslexic talents while being very realistic about the problems associated with them. It shows you how to test someone and how to lead them through exercises to help them overcome their disorientations and symbol mastery. It made me glad that I homeschool, because if my daughter does have dyslexia, she has fewer bad habits to overcome than she would have had in a traditional school environment. I would recommend this to anyone that has the slightest hint that their child has dyslexia.
June 25, 2015
"As a child I had a problem called autism." (Page 68) No, you either learn to cope or not, but you still have autism. So far it reads like a commercial on his products. End of part one of he book.
I probably read too many books on Asperger's and autism, author himself says that he "had" problem called autism, in his own words super-dyslexia . The more I read this book, he more I think he can't distinguish between dyslexia and autism.
I probably read too many books on Asperger's and autism, author himself says that he "had" problem called autism, in his own words super-dyslexia . The more I read this book, he more I think he can't distinguish between dyslexia and autism.
April 24, 2012
This book isn't just one of the worst I've ever read, it's harmful to those dealing with dyslexia. If you sit back and think about some of Davis's claims, you'll realize pretty quickly that he's skipped past rationality into an odd metaphysics. This book includes the claim that dyslexics see things from a perspective other than where their eyes are (they see "around" objects). He offers no science to back ANY of his claims, and indeed modern neuroscience doesn't line up at all. Occam's Razor alone would suggest that difficulty with symmetry-breaking could account for the problems that leads Davis to a wild account of minds that think too fast at disassembling an object as seen from all angles...what?
January 5, 2009
I read this book a few years ago and it really helped me see my daughter's dyslexia in a different light, which led me to lift her up and encourage her as she is;instead of falling into the stigma that the "labels" in school wanted to put on her. I can be grateful for and give her praise for her gifts instead of only focusing on the struggles.
December 22, 2014
Two years ago during a parent teachers conference with my 3rd graders teacher at asked, "Is there such thing as math dyslexia?" She thought there was but nothing came of it.
For two more years my child struggled, teachers and myself got frustrated. This is a smart kid. Reading, writing, and memorizing words and letters weren't a problem BUT math was like a foreign language. Even with an IEP in place the teachers were still teaching the same way and my child still wasn't getting it.
Thank goodness my parents are in the school system and went to a teachers in service for dyslexia. A 2nd grade teacher and Davis certified instructor taught the class and cover dyscalculia (math dyslexia). Point by point my mother knew this was exactly what her grandchild had.
Hopeful that I finally had some answers I talked to this wonderful teacher and she explained her background and the therapy she offered. She was apologetic that it was expensive. She suggested I start by educating myself by reading The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...and How They Can Learn and The Gift of Learning.
I cried with relief as I read through the pages about dyscalculia. I finally understood how my child saw numbers and I had direction to help teach my child and help the school system understand the way modify their teaching tools to make my kid successful.
I can't speak to the teaching methods in these books but as a parent that has a smart, hard working kid that just wasn't understanding simple math this was a godsend.
This was a good overview for dyslexia in: reading, writing, math
For two more years my child struggled, teachers and myself got frustrated. This is a smart kid. Reading, writing, and memorizing words and letters weren't a problem BUT math was like a foreign language. Even with an IEP in place the teachers were still teaching the same way and my child still wasn't getting it.
Thank goodness my parents are in the school system and went to a teachers in service for dyslexia. A 2nd grade teacher and Davis certified instructor taught the class and cover dyscalculia (math dyslexia). Point by point my mother knew this was exactly what her grandchild had.
Hopeful that I finally had some answers I talked to this wonderful teacher and she explained her background and the therapy she offered. She was apologetic that it was expensive. She suggested I start by educating myself by reading The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...and How They Can Learn and The Gift of Learning.
I cried with relief as I read through the pages about dyscalculia. I finally understood how my child saw numbers and I had direction to help teach my child and help the school system understand the way modify their teaching tools to make my kid successful.
I can't speak to the teaching methods in these books but as a parent that has a smart, hard working kid that just wasn't understanding simple math this was a godsend.
This was a good overview for dyslexia in: reading, writing, math
February 1, 2015
A mother with a dyslexic child recommended this book to me. It's not as helpful as I imagined it would be; the author gives a lot of "what if's" and "maybe try this technique" rather than scientific and medical research. In his defense though, he isn't a doctor--just a man with dyslexia, armed with a method for assisting dyslexic children. I don't agree with his perspective on ADD and I'm not sure that the Davis Method for dyslexia is the most effective "tool" for struggling readers. Nevertheless it was a thought-provoking introduction into the mind of a dyslexic person...which was what I was hoping for.
July 8, 2017
I find the people who will struggle most with this book are those who are not dyslexic, or, are looking for traditional doctrinal answers to a non traditional struggle in the learning processes of the mind.
The book does cover facts on how not all dyslexics have problems reading. Explaining how many dyslexics have other problem areas such as Mathematics (dyscalcula) or memory laps (what is perceived as poor working memory) and problems with cross stimuli (ADD/ADHD) or auditory discrimination (distinguishing between similar letter-sounds.) If I were to sum up how the programs works : It is an explanation of severe learning style(s). And how to use that learning style to be able to learn in the traditional sense as well as function in "normal social" means by quieting some of the trigger points that are social and educational struggles using the way their mind already functions. The book does an excellent job explaining how the dyslexic mind is a visual mind and why they often have the social and educational struggles. The techniques for overcoming dyslexia help use the visual mind (or strong imagination depending on the age of the dyslexic) to overcome learning struggles. In my experience the dyslexics often express "I get to use who I am to be normal.I feel like I get to be me."
I have personally seen this program work for 40 lives including a few high functioning autistic people. Every person is unique, the refreshing aspect of the book is using what is unique to overcome struggles being free to function and learn well.
The book does cover facts on how not all dyslexics have problems reading. Explaining how many dyslexics have other problem areas such as Mathematics (dyscalcula) or memory laps (what is perceived as poor working memory) and problems with cross stimuli (ADD/ADHD) or auditory discrimination (distinguishing between similar letter-sounds.) If I were to sum up how the programs works : It is an explanation of severe learning style(s). And how to use that learning style to be able to learn in the traditional sense as well as function in "normal social" means by quieting some of the trigger points that are social and educational struggles using the way their mind already functions. The book does an excellent job explaining how the dyslexic mind is a visual mind and why they often have the social and educational struggles. The techniques for overcoming dyslexia help use the visual mind (or strong imagination depending on the age of the dyslexic) to overcome learning struggles. In my experience the dyslexics often express "I get to use who I am to be normal.I feel like I get to be me."
I have personally seen this program work for 40 lives including a few high functioning autistic people. Every person is unique, the refreshing aspect of the book is using what is unique to overcome struggles being free to function and learn well.
August 12, 2013
Excellent book. This book offers encouraging, constructive, thought provoking and well researched information about the gifts of dyslexia and tools to assess true potential. If it is true that a third of all people have some form of dyslexia and many have genius capabilities, wouldn't it be a world win if we could capitalize on this source of human potential? More Albert Einsteins, More Leonardo da Vincis, More Jay Lenos, more Steve Jobs-like thinkers who could positively impact our country and world. Could we reduce crime statistics by diminishing the number of highly intelligent dyslexic criminals who developed poor self esteem who unknowingly harbor genius gifts; The dyslexics who made poor choices or who just gave up? I can compare these dyslexics to untapped oil or un-mined gold. We have education for the gifted and education for learning disabled but what about education for gifted with learning abilities? This book provokes thinking about dyslexic possibilities. I highly recommend that all educators read it.
October 23, 2019
I struggled with a rating on this one. I read it to try to understand my husband better and it really didn’t work. He does a much better job of explaining his own mind than Davis does (duh). It wasn’t a particularly compelling or interesting book and I struggled to get through it. I couldn’t wrap my mind around how dyslexics process information because it’s so different from my own process. I skimmed the second half of the book. So why four stars? Because this worked for my husband and changed his life. If you’re dyslexic or are trying to help someone who is, this may click with you/them the way it clicked with my husband, so I highly recommend it. I’m not dyslexic, so it really didn’t click with me. It just gave me a headache.
October 23, 2008
I wish I had known about this book when I was a teacher. It debunks so many myths about dyslexics and is very instructive. But it reads like a magazine, not like a text book, because Ron Davis is writing from his personal experience and give much practical advice. All dyslexics should read this book to see that they are exceptionally gifted and that their learning disabilities are actually easily unlearned. And parent or teacher who works with dyslexics should read this quick and eye-opening book in order to better support them.
April 7, 2023
This book was recommended to me by several homeschooling moms who have dyslexic children, so it was my first deep dive into a dyslexia book since my son was diagnosed. I found it really interesting and I think I need to read more to better inform my opinion on whether I think his theories are correct or not. At this point, I would just tend to agree as I have not read anything else to contradict what he put forth and it seems promising to me to have heard that several dyslexics themselves attest to this being how their brain works. Not being dyslexic myself, their word means a lot to me. I also hope to attempt to implement some of his remedial approaches in the near future so I can see my rating change in the future depending upon how these approaches played out in our home.
May 14, 2022
This was an interesting read. My husband and daughter may be dyslexic and we're learning more about it right now as our daughter is getting older. I know that there are many different types/symptoms of dyslexia and I felt this book mostly focused on one type (probably that of the author), which is fine. I will probably find other books to read as well.
The things I found most useful/interesting were the descriptions of the way dyslexics think and the part I found least useful was his method for helping these types of dyslexics (the second half of the book).
The things I found most useful/interesting were the descriptions of the way dyslexics think and the part I found least useful was his method for helping these types of dyslexics (the second half of the book).
September 30, 2019
10 of my 14 children are dyslexic . Those 10 are my artists, mechanical geniuses, dancers and athletes. They truly have visions and dream dreams that others don't see. They also struggle to read, write and spell. One of these is Captain, the subject of my children's book, Captain's Bean Bottle ". This book affirmed and explained what I have always known...that they are amazingly gifted and endlessly creative... more than capable of success -even greatness. It has also given me methods and exercises that I can use to help them harness the power of their gift of dyslexia and use it to overcome their learning challenges.
August 8, 2020
This book took my whole life on a wonderful new path; doing what I love every single day. It can transform your life too if you let it.
My wife is an interior architect and a psychotherapist. She is also dyslexic, dyscalculic, dyspraxic, and ADHD. She hated school as a child, and even as an adult she really struggled with simple arithmetic. She could read, but it was laborious and slow.
When she was in her late thirties a friend told her about this book and she got me to read it, in the hope that I would follow the instructions in the book and help her overcome her dyslexia.
I read the book and was intrigued, but I thought it sounded too good to be true. It claimed that I could transform in my wife's dyslexia from a burden into an asset in less than a week! It didn't help that the author was American - a lot of snake-oil has been "invented" in the USA. So I DIDN'T follow the simple instructions in the book - not until my wife took me to a public lecture by the author Ron Davis, and I had the opportunity to ask him all the hard questions the book had raised in my mind. He responded to my scepticism with the simple and humble authority of someone who KNOWS from direct experience.
Ron Davis is an autistic and dyslexic genius, who didn't learn to speak in sentences until he was 17 years old. He was functionally illiterate until his late thirties, when he discovered the key aspect of what is now known as the Davis methods. This enabled him to read his first ever book - cover to cover - in one night. His life was instantly transformed, and ever since he has been on a mission to empower others to do the same.
These methods have now transformed the lives of tens of thousands of dyslexic, dyscalculic, dyspraxic, an ADHD children and adults all over the world - including mine and my wife's. You see, after seeing my wife overcame all her learning challenges I decided to join Ron Davis on his mission; I trained as a Davis Dyslexia Facilitator, and I have been fortunate enough to spend my every working hour transforming lives and raising awareness about this amazing method of learning. Apart from marrying my wife and adopting my daughter, this has been the best decision in my life.
In my training I discovered that I "have" ADHD. This explained why I had always been late to every appointment I had ever made; why my life was full of unintended consequences, despite my best efforts to think things through; why school was so easy for me (yes), and why I preferred to learn hands-on. Why I am so creative and curious. Every single piece of my life made sense when I came to this realisation. Even the choice to leave my psychotherapy training to become a Davis Facilitator was due to my ADHD. Like so many with ADHD, I love instant gratification, and that is what a Davis programme gives me every single day - instant results, constant sense of achievement and making a difference.
Thank you Ron Davis for your huge gift to humanity - the Gift of Dyslexia.
My wife is an interior architect and a psychotherapist. She is also dyslexic, dyscalculic, dyspraxic, and ADHD. She hated school as a child, and even as an adult she really struggled with simple arithmetic. She could read, but it was laborious and slow.
When she was in her late thirties a friend told her about this book and she got me to read it, in the hope that I would follow the instructions in the book and help her overcome her dyslexia.
I read the book and was intrigued, but I thought it sounded too good to be true. It claimed that I could transform in my wife's dyslexia from a burden into an asset in less than a week! It didn't help that the author was American - a lot of snake-oil has been "invented" in the USA. So I DIDN'T follow the simple instructions in the book - not until my wife took me to a public lecture by the author Ron Davis, and I had the opportunity to ask him all the hard questions the book had raised in my mind. He responded to my scepticism with the simple and humble authority of someone who KNOWS from direct experience.
Ron Davis is an autistic and dyslexic genius, who didn't learn to speak in sentences until he was 17 years old. He was functionally illiterate until his late thirties, when he discovered the key aspect of what is now known as the Davis methods. This enabled him to read his first ever book - cover to cover - in one night. His life was instantly transformed, and ever since he has been on a mission to empower others to do the same.
These methods have now transformed the lives of tens of thousands of dyslexic, dyscalculic, dyspraxic, an ADHD children and adults all over the world - including mine and my wife's. You see, after seeing my wife overcame all her learning challenges I decided to join Ron Davis on his mission; I trained as a Davis Dyslexia Facilitator, and I have been fortunate enough to spend my every working hour transforming lives and raising awareness about this amazing method of learning. Apart from marrying my wife and adopting my daughter, this has been the best decision in my life.
In my training I discovered that I "have" ADHD. This explained why I had always been late to every appointment I had ever made; why my life was full of unintended consequences, despite my best efforts to think things through; why school was so easy for me (yes), and why I preferred to learn hands-on. Why I am so creative and curious. Every single piece of my life made sense when I came to this realisation. Even the choice to leave my psychotherapy training to become a Davis Facilitator was due to my ADHD. Like so many with ADHD, I love instant gratification, and that is what a Davis programme gives me every single day - instant results, constant sense of achievement and making a difference.
Thank you Ron Davis for your huge gift to humanity - the Gift of Dyslexia.
September 11, 2020
I'm hyperlexic, and can't imagine (nor remember, as I began reading aloud before age 2) looking at words in my native language and not being able to decipher the symbols into concepts and ideas. (I have poor visual imagination, however.)
This book does a good job of explaining to me how dyslexia feels to the dyslexic person.
Several of the exercises and techniques described are the same or similar to those done by Occupational and Physical Therapists for my son who has ADHD and PDD-NOS (ASD) and my daughter who is autistic and speech delayed and shows some tendency towards dyscalculia.
This book does a good job of explaining to me how dyslexia feels to the dyslexic person.
Several of the exercises and techniques described are the same or similar to those done by Occupational and Physical Therapists for my son who has ADHD and PDD-NOS (ASD) and my daughter who is autistic and speech delayed and shows some tendency towards dyscalculia.
August 31, 2022
Do not make this the first or only book you read on dyslexia. I was quite disappointed that a book titled The Gift of Dyslexia seems to focus on “correcting” dyslexia rather than celebrating it. If you want to learn about the many advantages that come with being dyslexic, I’d suggest The Dyslexic Advantage by Eide & Eide.
Davis’ understanding of dyslexia does not align with current research and even contradicts it at times. For example, he claims that ADHD is caused by bad teaching (!!). For more accurate information on ADHD, I’d suggest Russell Barkley’s work. This claim doesn’t even make sense, given that ADHD symptoms need to be present in three different environments (school, home, after school activity) in order to be diagnosed. His claim that we are medicating kids due to bad teaching could be harmful as kids with ADHD who do not get medication are more likely to self-medicate with illicit substances in high school. Of course, other conditions such as trauma, brain injuries or giftedness, are sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD, but that is not the claim Davis makes.
While The Gift of Dyslexia does raise some valid points, I would advise parents and teachers to look at research-backed sources as the things of value in this book can easily be found elsewhere, without risk of doing more harm than good. The golden standard for teaching dyslexics to read is currently the Orton-Gillingham Approach. I’d suggest that parents try this rather than the Davis Method. It’s also worth considering the possibility that a child may have an eye problem, rather than or in addition to dyslexia, something which a behavioural optometrist can assess for and/or treat.
Davis’ understanding of dyslexia does not align with current research and even contradicts it at times. For example, he claims that ADHD is caused by bad teaching (!!). For more accurate information on ADHD, I’d suggest Russell Barkley’s work. This claim doesn’t even make sense, given that ADHD symptoms need to be present in three different environments (school, home, after school activity) in order to be diagnosed. His claim that we are medicating kids due to bad teaching could be harmful as kids with ADHD who do not get medication are more likely to self-medicate with illicit substances in high school. Of course, other conditions such as trauma, brain injuries or giftedness, are sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD, but that is not the claim Davis makes.
While The Gift of Dyslexia does raise some valid points, I would advise parents and teachers to look at research-backed sources as the things of value in this book can easily be found elsewhere, without risk of doing more harm than good. The golden standard for teaching dyslexics to read is currently the Orton-Gillingham Approach. I’d suggest that parents try this rather than the Davis Method. It’s also worth considering the possibility that a child may have an eye problem, rather than or in addition to dyslexia, something which a behavioural optometrist can assess for and/or treat.
October 23, 2013
This book has a completely different perspective of dyslexia than other books. The whole description of what dyslexia is might seem a little far-fetched to some (or unscientific). This part is pretty much based on the author's own experience of his dyslexia. I urge you to stick with the book. It will work whether he's right or not.
There's an "orientation" section. I don't know how or if that will work for everyone, but it certainly works for some people as sort of a centering exercise. (This is a big part of the book because it's the most complicated, not because it's the most important.)
There's a relaxation exercise that would work for anyone. Dyslexics are usually frustrated about learning, and this exercise addresses that. So many books don't concern themselves with this aspect!
Finally, there's a way of thoroughly learning letters and words with their definitions that uses every learning method simultaneously: visual, tactile/kinetic, and audio. This will work because many dyslexics have trouble with visual and/or audio learning. It will work for people who don't have dyslexia, too.
My daughter may or may not have dyslexia, and I haven't tried any of the techniques on her yet, but I found the book to be very exciting and promising as a learning method.
There's an "orientation" section. I don't know how or if that will work for everyone, but it certainly works for some people as sort of a centering exercise. (This is a big part of the book because it's the most complicated, not because it's the most important.)
There's a relaxation exercise that would work for anyone. Dyslexics are usually frustrated about learning, and this exercise addresses that. So many books don't concern themselves with this aspect!
Finally, there's a way of thoroughly learning letters and words with their definitions that uses every learning method simultaneously: visual, tactile/kinetic, and audio. This will work because many dyslexics have trouble with visual and/or audio learning. It will work for people who don't have dyslexia, too.
My daughter may or may not have dyslexia, and I haven't tried any of the techniques on her yet, but I found the book to be very exciting and promising as a learning method.
Read
May 6, 2024Started out really enjoying it and then half way through I became disappointed in the classification of Dyslexia and struggled with the rest.
Beind Dyslexic, I do find it a gift and a curse in many different forms. I do NOT think of it as a learning disability but a different way of processing information. I may find it hard to write a word but I can tell you with 100% certainty I know what that word means inside and out.
I believe my youngest son is also Dyslexia and I bought this book with the intent to help him and guide him so that he doesn't struggle with insecurities like I did as a child. I wanted tools to guide him so that he never feels stupid or slow... since there is NO such thing as a stupid or slow Dyselxic person. I wanted him to know that his brain works just fine... and that inside his mind he can see things different and precieve things different than those without Dyslexia. That it is a gift and he CAN read, he just has to be taught a different way to process all the information out there.
I didn't get that in this book. I was left feeling like something is broken in us, like we need to be fixed. No we dont. We are fine.
Beind Dyslexic, I do find it a gift and a curse in many different forms. I do NOT think of it as a learning disability but a different way of processing information. I may find it hard to write a word but I can tell you with 100% certainty I know what that word means inside and out.
I believe my youngest son is also Dyslexia and I bought this book with the intent to help him and guide him so that he doesn't struggle with insecurities like I did as a child. I wanted tools to guide him so that he never feels stupid or slow... since there is NO such thing as a stupid or slow Dyselxic person. I wanted him to know that his brain works just fine... and that inside his mind he can see things different and precieve things different than those without Dyslexia. That it is a gift and he CAN read, he just has to be taught a different way to process all the information out there.
I didn't get that in this book. I was left feeling like something is broken in us, like we need to be fixed. No we dont. We are fine.
February 23, 2014
This is the first book I've read about dyslexia and I found it a very informative introduction. The writer runs a reading institute that helps dyslexics learn to function normally. Since I'm unfamiliar with the different management strategies for dyslexia it's tough for me to wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Positive aspects are the way in which dyslexia presented as merely a different way of thinking and not a disability. Davis believes that dyslexics are visual thinkers and in order to adapt to a verbal thinkers world they create solutions that present with various symptoms and disorientation all under the name dyslexia. The premise of his institute is to teach a Dyslexic to orient themselves and remove the bad habits that have been formed to cope. His teaching ideas seem to have a lot of merit to them.
Negative aspects are the lack of reference material. He makes a lot of claims about dyslexia that are unsupported and almost sound like an attempt to build up the dyslexic by telling them how awesome they are. While that's a great approach with someone who probably has a low self-esteem I'm just not sure how truthful it is with out anything backing it up.
Positive aspects are the way in which dyslexia presented as merely a different way of thinking and not a disability. Davis believes that dyslexics are visual thinkers and in order to adapt to a verbal thinkers world they create solutions that present with various symptoms and disorientation all under the name dyslexia. The premise of his institute is to teach a Dyslexic to orient themselves and remove the bad habits that have been formed to cope. His teaching ideas seem to have a lot of merit to them.
Negative aspects are the lack of reference material. He makes a lot of claims about dyslexia that are unsupported and almost sound like an attempt to build up the dyslexic by telling them how awesome they are. While that's a great approach with someone who probably has a low self-esteem I'm just not sure how truthful it is with out anything backing it up.
September 28, 2024
I did not know this was such a controversial book when I picked it up. I was ready to take a break from the learning I have been doing about dyslexia this year and focus on the implementing of the techniques I've deemed beneficial to our situation. Based on something that had noticeably come up, I decided to look into the phenomenon of switching small words in reading that some dyslexics do (reading aloud "the" instead of "a" and the like). He can correct himself right away when pointed out. There is no trouble actually knowing what these words are. I have since become more comfortable with this happening and feel okay about a way forward with improvement. But anyway, in this process, I stumbled on this book.
Before I get too deep into my thoughts, I decided to write down some quotes as I was going through the book. I had looked at reviews here on GoodReads beforehand and still decided to read the book. I thought it would be helpful to see the kind of specifics that some people are talking about. (I even hopped onto the computer to type!) I read and wrote quotes from the newest edition available to me, with a publication date of 2010.
QUOTES:
"Each case of dyslexia is different because dyslexia is an unintentionally self-created condition. No two dyslexics have created it exactly the same." pg 6
"By now his disorientation has created a feeling like dizziness. He is feeling sick to his stomach, and the words and letters are swimming around the page." pg 24
"In fact, despite the current popularity of phonic methods to teach reading, dyslexics usually do better at sight reading, where they simply recognize an individual words as a concept." pg 33
"Instead of turning spelling into a contest, it's better to simply point out the difference between the word the student wrote and the correct spelling (or spellings) in the dictionary. Eventually, corrected dyslexics will figure out on their own how to spell words as they read." pg 40
"Dyslexics often see the letters three-dimensionally, as if they were floating in space." pg 38
"The result of orientation is an accurate, consistent perception of the environment, including two-dimensional words printed on a page. When the dyslexic is oriented, the words on the page are perceived correctly, without distortion. Data can be received accurately." pg 64
"The symptoms of dyslexia are manifestations of disorientation, so terminating the disorientation also terminates the symptoms. The reading skill of most dyslexics improve dramatically as soon as they begin to use this simple process." pg 65
"... the dyslexic will no longer have a learning disability. The root causes of the disability have been eliminated so compulsive solutions are no longer being triggered. .... At this point, it would be safe to say that the person's dyslexia is corrected." pg 69
"The main senses that become distorted are vision, hearing, balanced movement, and time. Common examples of disorientation include motion sickness, the sense of falling when on an escalator or at the edge of a cliff..." pg 124
"Shapes and sequences of letters or numbers appear changed or reversed... letters and numbers appear to move, disappear, grow, and shrink."
"... I could intentionally increase and decrease the severity of my dyslexia symptoms." pg 127
I have discussed a lot with an online group for homeschooling dyslexic kids since reading this and not sure I want to go too deep into all my thoughts on here. It would just be too much. Some of my main thoughts:
This goes against a lot of the most current research, and some of the top specialists, on what dyslexia is. I hesitate to say his descriptions are untrue as I have found some people who really do identify with it, but I would by no means say this is the definition of dyslexia. The author himself says he's corrected his dyslexia and that some people label him as autistic. He has described challenges in his life that seem to relate to a lot more than just dyslexia and the more widely spread definition involving phonological processes.
I had heard the argument that this book is about one type of dyslexia called "dyseidetic dyslexia" and if this is the case, it needs to be more clearly told in the book. He uses the all-encompassing term "dyslexia" which has been described in a much different way by head researchers. If going by Google searches on terms, we deal in our house with "dysphonetic dyslexia" so it is no wonder that I do not relate to the book's details. But if there really are terms that need to be more specifically addressed, I believe they need to start doing so right away. Learning about dyslexia after an evaluation and label given is confusing enough as it is. I had not realized before reading this book, that there really are people out there still with completely different definitions.
If you have a child that was identified as dyslexic and shows obvious low phonological memory or other phonological traits, I do not believe this book would benefit you. I also do not recommend it to be your first book on the subject. If you have read the quotes in this review and believe it does pertain to your situation, it could be beneficial to you.
My main qualms are: the idea that dyslexia can be corrected, that this is what dyslexia is (with no differentiating from other diagnoses/symptoms), and no reference to the phonological process whatsoever. I do not know anything about Ronald Davis' practice or his methods that seem to help some people or even much of him as a person. I am just commenting on what I read in this book.
If there are really subtypes of dyslexia and different ways for it to be understood, I really think they should start to become more widespread in literature and with the professionals who administer evaluations. If you have read the book Overcoming Dyslexia by Shaywitz, this book is very, very different. I'm trying to keep an open mind and keep learning. For our situation, The Gift of Dyslexia does not pertain to us and addressing the phonological process instead very much does. Take what helps and stay curious!
Before I get too deep into my thoughts, I decided to write down some quotes as I was going through the book. I had looked at reviews here on GoodReads beforehand and still decided to read the book. I thought it would be helpful to see the kind of specifics that some people are talking about. (I even hopped onto the computer to type!) I read and wrote quotes from the newest edition available to me, with a publication date of 2010.
QUOTES:
"Each case of dyslexia is different because dyslexia is an unintentionally self-created condition. No two dyslexics have created it exactly the same." pg 6
"By now his disorientation has created a feeling like dizziness. He is feeling sick to his stomach, and the words and letters are swimming around the page." pg 24
"In fact, despite the current popularity of phonic methods to teach reading, dyslexics usually do better at sight reading, where they simply recognize an individual words as a concept." pg 33
"Instead of turning spelling into a contest, it's better to simply point out the difference between the word the student wrote and the correct spelling (or spellings) in the dictionary. Eventually, corrected dyslexics will figure out on their own how to spell words as they read." pg 40
"Dyslexics often see the letters three-dimensionally, as if they were floating in space." pg 38
"The result of orientation is an accurate, consistent perception of the environment, including two-dimensional words printed on a page. When the dyslexic is oriented, the words on the page are perceived correctly, without distortion. Data can be received accurately." pg 64
"The symptoms of dyslexia are manifestations of disorientation, so terminating the disorientation also terminates the symptoms. The reading skill of most dyslexics improve dramatically as soon as they begin to use this simple process." pg 65
"... the dyslexic will no longer have a learning disability. The root causes of the disability have been eliminated so compulsive solutions are no longer being triggered. .... At this point, it would be safe to say that the person's dyslexia is corrected." pg 69
"The main senses that become distorted are vision, hearing, balanced movement, and time. Common examples of disorientation include motion sickness, the sense of falling when on an escalator or at the edge of a cliff..." pg 124
"Shapes and sequences of letters or numbers appear changed or reversed... letters and numbers appear to move, disappear, grow, and shrink."
"... I could intentionally increase and decrease the severity of my dyslexia symptoms." pg 127
I have discussed a lot with an online group for homeschooling dyslexic kids since reading this and not sure I want to go too deep into all my thoughts on here. It would just be too much. Some of my main thoughts:
This goes against a lot of the most current research, and some of the top specialists, on what dyslexia is. I hesitate to say his descriptions are untrue as I have found some people who really do identify with it, but I would by no means say this is the definition of dyslexia. The author himself says he's corrected his dyslexia and that some people label him as autistic. He has described challenges in his life that seem to relate to a lot more than just dyslexia and the more widely spread definition involving phonological processes.
I had heard the argument that this book is about one type of dyslexia called "dyseidetic dyslexia" and if this is the case, it needs to be more clearly told in the book. He uses the all-encompassing term "dyslexia" which has been described in a much different way by head researchers. If going by Google searches on terms, we deal in our house with "dysphonetic dyslexia" so it is no wonder that I do not relate to the book's details. But if there really are terms that need to be more specifically addressed, I believe they need to start doing so right away. Learning about dyslexia after an evaluation and label given is confusing enough as it is. I had not realized before reading this book, that there really are people out there still with completely different definitions.
If you have a child that was identified as dyslexic and shows obvious low phonological memory or other phonological traits, I do not believe this book would benefit you. I also do not recommend it to be your first book on the subject. If you have read the quotes in this review and believe it does pertain to your situation, it could be beneficial to you.
My main qualms are: the idea that dyslexia can be corrected, that this is what dyslexia is (with no differentiating from other diagnoses/symptoms), and no reference to the phonological process whatsoever. I do not know anything about Ronald Davis' practice or his methods that seem to help some people or even much of him as a person. I am just commenting on what I read in this book.
If there are really subtypes of dyslexia and different ways for it to be understood, I really think they should start to become more widespread in literature and with the professionals who administer evaluations. If you have read the book Overcoming Dyslexia by Shaywitz, this book is very, very different. I'm trying to keep an open mind and keep learning. For our situation, The Gift of Dyslexia does not pertain to us and addressing the phonological process instead very much does. Take what helps and stay curious!
July 26, 2012
I believe this book can really do what it claims: train an over-sensitized, disoriented brain how to reorient itself, and not remain tripped up by "triggers." Oh, I want to be trained in the Davis Orientation Counseling method! I want the ability to help others (first, sons & self, then extended family, followed by friends, then Thomas Edison Charter School kids, Cache County, the WORLD!). This book and method were created by a dyslexic for dyslexics. The author knows what he's talking about. He understands our "trigger" challenges, and outlines a method to bring them back in line. We are smart! We can learn! We can calm our anxieties and disorientations, becoming calmer and better able to handle and even LOVE learning. Parents of dyslexic children who are struggling to understand them, can find a measure of peace and understanding not found elsewhere. This book makes so many things clear without being preachy or overly technical.
November 12, 2019
Luckily I read the Dyslexic Advantage first and had the understanding that dyslexia has quite a spectrum of strengths and weaknesses. But if you were to read only this book and use it as your textbook version of what dyslexia is and ways to work around it you would be missing tons. I cannot relate first handedly to the types of issues that prevail in this book. It did seem to relate to some things I have had understood in relation to certain dyslexia weaknesses and thus the solutions may very well be helpful to some. But it certainly isn’t an end all for every kind of dyslexic case out there. Proceed with caution. It may or may not be helpful.
August 16, 2015
Interesting take on dyslexia and how it works in the mind of SOME dyslexics, the author included. I like the theories and the ways of working with dyslexic readers that are presented, but I do not like the way he spends a lot of time blaming teachers for the problems dyslexic readers have. I also did not see too many resources or quotes, so my verdict is out on how spot on the theories are until I research this author.
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