Discovering the Strengths of Dyslexia – 3D Thinking and How It Affects Reading

Dyslexia, often misunderstood, is a neurological condition that, among other items, affects reading and spelling abilities. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of dyslexia, focusing on 3D thinking and its unique impact on reading and writing. 

As a language teacher, and probably without any neurological background, it’s important to understand how the dyslexic brain works. You might not be aware of it, but 10 to 15% of all your students have some level of dyslexia. In the vast majority of cases, this affects their language learning, and in a traditional teaching environment with a clear focus on written text.

We must understand where and why our students with dyslexia struggle to learn a new language. This enables us to operate from a certain level of empathy towards the dyslexic student but also to offer effective accommodations in our teaching strategies and materials.   

In this article, we will not solely focus on the weaknesses around dyslexia but also, and mostly, shed light on the strengths associated with it.

The Brain’s Preference for 3D Recognition:

Contrary to popular belief, the human brain is not inherently wired for reading. Instead, it is finely tuned for recognizing objects in three-dimensional space. This ability to perceive the world in 3D is a testament to the brain’s incredible capacity for spatial awareness and object recognition.

If I show you a car from its left side, you will recognize it as a car. If I turn it around and show it from the other side, you will recognize it as a car. If I show it to you from the rear, the front, or even from the top, you will still recognize it as a car. 

Regardless of the angle at which we see a certain object, we are immediately able to recognize it. 

But our brains also have the incredible power to not only recognize but imagine objects from many different angles. This is called 3D thinking.

Dyslexic Brains and 3D Thinking:

Dyslexic individuals excel at 3D thinking, a cognitive strength that allows them to perceive and manipulate objects in space with remarkable precision. This heightened spatial awareness is a valuable asset, contributing to success in fields such as architecture, art, and design. Let’s explore how this 3D thinking prowess impacts their reading abilities.

Reading Challenges and Letter Patterns:

While dyslexic individuals showcase exceptional skills in 3D thinking, this strength can present challenges in recognizing subtle differences between certain letter patterns. The intricate dance of letters on a page may pose difficulties for dyslexic readers, affecting their ability to decode words swiftly.

In the same way that you can look at an object, like a car, from different angles, this can also be done with letters.

If, for example, I take the letter “b” and turn it around, it becomes a “d”. Unlike with the object example of a car, when we look at the letter “b” from a different angle it has stopped being a “b” and, by pure magic, has become a completely different letter, with a different sound (phoneme) and function to it.

But, to make it even worse, by spinning the letter “b” a bit more or approaching it from different angles, I can also turn it into a “p” or a “q”.

For students whose brains have higher levels of 3D thinking capabilities, this might be a tricky issue to work with while reading. It’s one of the reasons why so many students with dyslexia have difficulty in processing written information and why choosing font and adapting font size and spacing are adamant in accommodating these students. 

Where one could argue that this heightened 3D capacity could be a burden, it isn’t. The 3D thinking brain offers many more and much bigger advantages when compared to the “minor” setback of processing written information.   

Famous Dyslexics and Their Achievements:

To underscore the strengths associated with dyslexia, it’s enlightening to look at some accomplished individuals who have navigated their dyslexia to excel in various fields:

1. Leonardo da Vinci: The iconic Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, is believed to have been dyslexic. His exceptional spatial intelligence and ability to visualize complex designs contributed to his groundbreaking works.

2. Richard Branson: The founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson, is a dyslexic entrepreneur known for his innovative thinking. His success serves as a testament to the adaptive and creative qualities associated with dyslexia.

3. Tommy Hilfiger: Renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger has openly discussed his dyslexia. His ability to think outside the box and create visually appealing designs reflects the influence of 3D thinking in his creative process.

The Strength of 3D Thinking in Education:

As language teachers, understanding the strengths associated with dyslexia, particularly 3D thinking, opens the door to more effective and inclusive teaching methods. By incorporating visual and spatial elements into lessons, educators can tap into the unique cognitive strengths of dyslexic students, fostering a more supportive learning environment.

In conclusion, dyslexia is not a mere obstacle; it’s a unique cognitive profile with strengths that extend beyond the challenges of reading. Embracing the 3D thinking abilities of dyslexic individuals can redefine our approach to education, encouraging a more inclusive and innovative teaching environment. As language teachers, let’s celebrate the diverse cognitive landscape of our students, nurturing their strengths and helping them thrive in the world of words and beyond.

More about Dyslexia here.