The gift of dyslexia: what is the harm in it?

Dyslexia Mental health Neurodiversity Stereotypes

Journal

Annals of dyslexia

ISSN: 1934-7243

Titre abrégé: Ann Dyslexia

Pays: United States

ID NLM: 8406611

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
14 Jun 2024

Historique:

received: 22 03 2024

accepted: 24 05 2024

medline: 15 6 2024

pubmed: 15 6 2024

entrez: 14 6 2024

Statut: aheadofprint

Résumé

Dyslexia, characterized by word reading and spelling deficits, has historically been viewed through a medical model of disability. However, a countermovement has emerged, emphasizing the strengths and abilities of neurodiverse individuals, including those with dyslexia. The concept of neurodiversity, which was initially introduced to help inform understanding of a mild form of autism, has expanded to include dyslexia. The expansion has occurred alongside a similar portrayal of dyslexia as an advantage that comes with specific gifts, creating a positive stereotype. While intended to empower individuals with dyslexia, the translation of the concept of neurodiversity to dyslexia in this way can inadvertently stigmatize and isolate those who do not fit this positive stereotype of dyslexia. This review, following a perspective review article format, synthesizes existing literature on the purported gifts of dyslexia and the implications of both negative and positive stereotypes on the well-being of individuals with dyslexia. The findings of this review underscore the importance of dispelling myths about dyslexia and advocating against the use of stereotypes, both negative and positive, in portraying dyslexia. Doing so will help remove the harmful effects of stigmatization, stereotype threat, and the potential of a fixed mindset inherent to being stereotyped.

Identifiants

DOI: 10.1007/s11881-024-00308-9 PMID: 38877328

pubmed: 38877328

doi: 10.1007/s11881-024-00308-9

pii: 10.1007/s11881-024-00308-9

doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

Informations de copyright

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