What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia was the first general term invented to describe reading problems. Now over 70 names are used to describe various aspects of dyslexia. Some common names are: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auditory Processing Disorder, Dysphonetic, Dyscalculia, etc.

There are many different theories of what dyslexia is, what causes it, and why the symptoms occur. The Davis™ theories and procedures were developed through trial and error by a dyslexic, to discover how symptoms of dyslexia could be corrected.

It is important to know that dyslexia is not the result of a genetic flaw or nerve damage. It is not caused by a malformation of the brain, inner ear of eyes. Dyslexia is a product of thought and a special way of reacting to confusion. It is not limited to reversals of letters and words.

Picture Thinking: Gift and Hindrance

If you were to close your eyes and imagine a tiger, you would not begin to create it from the tail and move to the haunches, then to the legs, shoulders, head, ears, nose, and add the stripes to figure out you have a tiger. You would see all the parts at once, and conclude "tiger." If most or all of your thinking is in pictures, you would become accustomed to figuring things out by looking at the whole object or situation at once.

Dyslexics are primarily picture thinkers. Rather than using self-talk (words, sentences, or internal dialogue), they specialize in mental or sensory imagery. This method of thinking is subliminal.
Most dyslexics are not aware that this is what they are doing. Since dyslexics think in pictures or imagery, they tend to use global logic and reasoning strategies. They look at the big picture to understand the world around them.

Thinking primarily with images, dyslexics also tend to develop very strong imaginations. They use a picture or feeling based reasoning process to solve problems. If they are confused or intrigued, they will disorient and mentally move around an object and look at it from different viewpoints or angles. From this thought process, they develop many unique abilities and talents in areas such as:

This ability can also be the foundation for a problem. When disoriented, the individual will perceive their own mental images as reality. Most people are able to experience a state of disorientation when looking at an optical illusion, or when exposed to misleading sensory stimuli, such as that created by virtual reality amusement rides. A dyslexic, however, disorients on a daily basis as a reaction to confusion. Disorientation is what occurs when an individual with dyslexia is using his or her natural problem solving skills. This natural mental response to any confusing sensory information manifests itself as the dyslexic learning style.

*used with permission from The Reading Research Council®