Small Talks, No. 80
Welcome to the eightieth edition of Small Talks. Every Friday, I highlight 6 areas of weekly joys and reflections in early childhood and the whole family. Small Talks leverages my experience at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and impact investing. Enjoy!
What I’m celebrating -
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Small Talks No. 80 is all about dyslexia…
A few facts:
Dyslexia affects 20% of the population.
It is the most common of all neuro-cognitive disorders. It represents 80–90% of all those with learning differences (although not a category of learning differences in schools).
Over 40 million American Adults are dyslexic - only 2 million know it.
Dyslexia is not tied to IQ - Einstein was dyslexic and had an IQ of 160.
Formal diagnoses of dyslexia occur overwhelmingly in white children.
Over 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic.
Almost 50% of the prison population in Texas is dyslexic!
Cambridge researchers studying cognition, behavior and the brain have concluded that people with dyslexia are specialized to explore the unknown. This is likely to play a fundamental role in human adaptation to changing environments.
Several interesting innovators in dyslexia for young children:
Assessment: Early Bird and ROAR.
Toys: SquarePanda
What I’m listening to -
Great series on unlocking dyslexia by NPR. I particularly appreciated this episode “How Science Is Rewiring The Dyslexic Brain.”
What I’m reading -
Dyslexic minds view the world very differently to make sense of it. This view provides an opportunity for innovative thinking and often these individuals can distill information to make it more understandable- what Brock and Fernette Eide call “the dyslexic advantage”.
What I’m watching -
Very helpful and simple documentary on what dyslexia is.
In this TED Talk, Tiffany Day makes the case for dyslexia as a gift of innovation and entrepreneurial mind.
What I’m learning more deeply -
Can dyslexia be detected in saliva? Researchers say yes.
Great campaign “Made by Dyslexia” launched by Virgin CEO Richard Branson.
A quote I’m pondering -
“Creativity is the key for any child with dyslexia, or for anyone for that matter. Then you can think outside of the box. Teach them anything is attainable. Let them run with what you see is whatever they need to run with.”
Orlando Bloom, English actor.
Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help spread the word by sharing with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
Have a wonderful week. Please stay safe and care for each other.
Isabelle