THE DAVIS® THEORY: THE GIFT OF DYSLEXIA

Ron Davis believes that dyslexia is a result of an inherent mental gift, a talent. It is something special that enhances the individual. People who develop dyslexia think in pictures, rather than words; they are imaginative and creative; and they try to solve problems by looking at the whole picture, rather than working step-by-step.

Dyslexics don’t all develop the same gifts, but they do have certain mental functions in common:

• They can utilise the brain’s ability to alter perceptions (the primary ability).
  
• They are highly aware of their environment.
  
• They are more curious than average.
  
• They think mainly in pictures instead of words.
  
• They are highly intuitive, insightful and creative.
  
• They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all the senses).
  
• They can experience thought as reality.
  
• They have vivid imaginations.

These eight basic abilities, if not suppressed, invalidates or destroyed by parents or the educational process, will result in two characteristics: higher-than-normal intelligence, and extraordinary creative abilities.

When dyslexic students recognize their mental talents, they develop a renewed sense of self-esteem and confidence. When they start to employ study methods which capitalize on their talents, progress is very rapid.