Understanding Dyslexia

Do you want the good or the not so good news first? Well, the good news is that many dyslexics are brilliant and hugely gifted people. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic fame, Steve Jobs of Apple, Lewis Hamilton of Formula One racing and of course Hollywood’s most decorated film director, Stephen Spielberg are just a few of the numerous known dyslexics who literally changed the course of time. The world as we know it, would not have been the same without them. The less palatable news is that because dyslexia remains largely unknown in the Nigerian and African context, most dyslexics are beaten, called names, bullied and jeered at for being lazy or stupid in school. Unfortunately, they do not fare any better at home, where they should receive the most support. Sadly, this often results in them developing an inferiority complex and perhaps worse still, they recoil from trying anything out of fear of mockery and just give up on themselves.