2024-04-11 13:05:52
Dyslexia is a very common specific learning disability that affects around 1 in 10 people. This disorder affects the ability to read, write and perform other language-related tasks. Jogilė, who has had dyslexia all her life, is currently raising two young children, studying for a master’s degree and even considering pursuing an academic career. Although the symptoms of the disorder have caused problems since childhood, the woman only heard the diagnosis less than a year ago, so now she is getting to know herself anew.
“All my life I thought that I was simply incapable of something. At school, I was “written off” by the teachers, then I “wrote off” myself. However, after learning the diagnosis, I began to accept myself in this capacity and finally understood why it is so difficult for me to express my thoughts verbally or write without making mistakes”, shares Jogilė.
Self-confidence returned
The woman remembers that it was difficult to read, write and say exactly what she was thinking from her childhood. The elementary school teacher even tried to persuade her mother to choose an easier, adapted learning program. Jogilė encountered difficulties not only at school, but also during her studies, as well as while working in a clinic as a general practice nurse.
“I was embarrassed when my fellow doctors noticed that I made elementary mistakes while writing. I received retorts and ridicule, but I accepted the fact that I was a “champion of failure”. I considered myself just stupid and distracted,” the interviewer recalls.
After learning that she has a reading disability, Jogilė contacted the disability coordinator of the university where she is currently studying. She arranged a more favorable study plan for her. For example, now the student is given more time to present presentations, teachers pay less attention to her grammatical mistakes. Anxiety and stress have decreased in the yogi’s life – as she says, she no longer needs to worry that someone will support her as illiterate.
The woman is happy that her study results have improved significantly recently, her self-confidence is returning, and she is even considering continuing her studies in a doctoral degree and pursuing an academic career after obtaining her master’s degree.
The mother of two children notes that dyslexia does not interfere with motherhood either. Although there are challenges here, the woman successfully finds solutions. For example, Jogilė remembers that in the past it was difficult for her to read bedtime stories to the children and she felt inner shame because of this. However, Jogilė read the books to herself until she learned the texts by heart, so now she simply retells the fairy tales to the children. When you want, everything is possible, the interviewer smiles.
Recognize the uniqueness of each individual
Cognitive behavioral therapy consultant, mindfulness teacher Janina Sabaitė reminds that dyslexia is classified as a neurodiversity. The latter concept recognizes that brain differences are a natural and important aspect of human diversity. These include dyslexia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurological features.
“In emphasizing neurodiversity, it is important to recognize the uniqueness of each individual and provide support tailored to personal needs, rather than stigmatizing or marginalizing people because of their neurological differences,” says J. Sabaitė.
According to the specialist, challenges specifically related to dyslexia often include processing the sound of words, recognizing letter sequences and spelling skills, but dyslexia does not depend on a person’s intellectual abilities in any way: “It is important to understand that dyslexia is not related to a person’s motivation to learn or to intelligence – many dyslexic people is characterized by high intelligence and creativity.”
Society’s attitude towards neurodiversity and the challenges associated with it are slowly changing, but a lot of work is still needed to ensure full acceptance and integration, says J. Sabaitė. According to her, the recognition and integration of neurodiversity in society and the workplace is important not only for individuals with neurological differences, but also for the entire community – it promotes diversity, innovation and creativity, and contributes to the creation of a healthier and more inclusive environment.
“Recognition and integration of neurodiversity is not only a matter of ethics or social responsibility, but also a business strategy that can increase innovation, productivity and employee satisfaction,” observes J. Sabaitė.
May 22 the most important event of the year on diversity and organizational openness will take place – the annual Diversity Charter conference “Superdiversity: Unknown Layers”. Here, Lithuanian and foreign guests will present unique experiences of people and social experiments of change taking place in organizations. More information on the website www.ivairoveskonferencija.lt
2024-04-11 13:05:52