nterestingly, one group that tends to be more creative than the general population is dyslexics. A prevailing theory of dyslexia suggests that most reading difficulties arise from a problem in a group of brain cells responsible for timing visual events when reading. The genes that underlie this disadvantage would not be so common unless there were compensating advantages to dyslexia. The Oxford scientist John Stein suggests that in some dyslexics there may be heightened development of another system in the brain that underlies their holistic, artistic and entrepreneurial talents, "seeing the whole picture".
Of course, dyslexia affects more than the balance between reading skills and creativity, and impacts upon other aspects of individuals' lives, such as their wider learning and their self-esteem. Ongoing scientific and educational research provides ways of helping overcome the reading difficulties caused by dyslexia. If we are to place more of a premium on creativity in the future, it may be that during such interventions we should be mindful to preserve and celebrate the inherent, untaught abilities of dyslexics.
Of course, dyslexia affects more than the balance between reading skills and creativity, and impacts upon other aspects of individuals' lives, such as their wider learning and their self-esteem. Ongoing scientific and educational research provides ways of helping overcome the reading difficulties caused by dyslexia. If we are to place more of a premium on creativity in the future, it may be that during such interventions we should be mindful to preserve and celebrate the inherent, untaught abilities of dyslexics.
