The
Dyslexic Adult in a Non-Dyslexic World, by Ellen Morgan and Cynthia Klein, Whurr
Publishers, London, 2000. ISBN 1861562071 ($33.95, £19.50)
It is refreshing to find a book devoted
to the experiences of dyslexic adults, since much of the available literature
focuses on children. 'The Dyslexic Adult in a non-dyslexic world' is a welcome
addition to my bookshelf. It is eminently readable and combines an 'academic'
understanding of the issues with down-to-earth examples based on interviews with
dyslexic adults. As the parent of an adult dyslexic son, I was fascinated by these
stories and could identify his experiences with many of those described by the
interviewees.
The section 'Living in the
Non-Dyslexic World' forms the bulk of this book and, for me, is the most interesting
since it captures actual life experiences of adults who have struggled to make
sense of their lives in a world that is often not 'dyslexia-friendly'. I found
myself wishing that everyone my son encounters - teachers, employers, friends
- would read it, not only to get a realistic view of the problems and difficulties
encountered by many dyslexic adults, but also to understand the creative strengths
they may possess.
Based on semi-structured
interviews with fourteen dyslexic people, ranging in age from 10 to 73, the authors
weave the life experiences of these men and women (as well as those of others
with whom they have worked) into a range of themes covering family, work and education.
There are many examples of how dyslexia impacts on behaviour and self-esteem,
particularly in adults who did not receive the benefit of early diagnosis. Told
through their own words, the stories give a 'voice' to many people who have previously
been ignored. I particularly liked the inter-generational study, which compares
the experiences of a young mother (whose dyslexia was not identified until she
was 24, and who subsequently trained as a primary school teacher) and those of
her 10-year-old son, Lee, whose self-esteem seems exceptionally high compared
to that of his mother. The story is rounded off by an interview with Lee's grandmother,
who had no knowledge of dyslexia when her daughter was growing up and now has
the benefit of seeing the difference between her daughter's experiences and those
of her grandson.
Starting Points, the first
section of the book, explores the cognitive profile of adults, offering a theoretical
framework for understanding dyslexia. Especially valuable are the issues associated
with diagnosis of adults. The third and final section, Turning Points, looks at
dyslexia in the 21st century and how changes in the world of education, work and
technology may profoundly influence the way in which dyslexic people are perceived
by the non-dyslexic world. The authors even suggest that the creativity often
associated with dyslexia may become an increasing asset in the changing world.
The authors, both of whom emigrated to
England from the US, have extensive experience working as teachers, trainers and
researchers in the field of adult dyslexia. Their book will appeal to a wide range
of readers, including non-dyslexic members of the dyslexic adult's family, teachers,
employers, friends and, perhaps most importantly, to dyslexic adults themselves.
For them this book will bring the relief of recognition, knowing they are by no
means alone in this non-dyslexic world.
Reviewer:
Erica Hunningher
London, England.
Email: ericahun@aol.com
References
Whurr
Publishers