Newsletter 96: A Personal Journey with Dyslexia

Good morning,

As I sit here with my morning coffee, I find myself reflecting on a recent incident that brought to light some important aspects of dyslexia. It's a story about my son, a baseball game, and a moment of realization.

A Day at the Baseball Field

My son, who recently turned 9, has been working with a dyslexic specialist. He's making great strides, but reading is still a bit of a struggle for him. This struggle was highlighted during a recent baseball practice game. He was asked to call out the lineup, which was written on a whiteboard. His hesitation wasn't due to shyness, but because he was having trouble reading the names. The coaches, unaware of his struggle, grew frustrated.

A Moment of Realization

When I explained that he was struggling with reading the names, one coach asked if he knew numbers, assuming he could use jersey numbers to identify players. However, the jersey numbers weren't listed on the board. This incident reminded me of a quote I read in a Mix newsletter: "If someone can't write, can they think?" It made me realize that my son might have some neurodivergent thinking processes that are different from mine or my daughter's.

 Reflections on Dyslexia

This incident led me to reflect on the challenges faced by dyslexics. I've been using various language models and asking them questions to understand the different ways in which people, including dyslexics, process information. The responses I receive vary based on how I phrase the questions, offering a fascinating insight into the diverse ways we process information.

Connecting with Other Dyslexics

Recently, at a Giants game, I had a conversation with a fellow dyslexic. He shared that when he reads, he can only focus on the white space between sentences. He also mentioned using tools like Helper Bird and Speechify, which use technology to assist with reading. It was a reminder of the unique coping mechanisms we develop and the tools available to assist us. We have had great success using Microsoft Immersive Reader as well in our house and microschool.

Looking Forward

These experiences have deepened my understanding of the different ways in which dyslexia can manifest. I am always looking for correlations and connections to my daughter's life with dyslexia and my own experiences. I am also realizing that my son may process things differently, which is not a limitation but a different way of thinking. I plan to continue exploring these thoughts and experiences, and use them to further enrich my understanding of dyslexia.

As I finish my coffee and prepare for the day, I'm reminded of the unique journeys we all have with dyslexia. It's not always easy, but it's a journey filled with learning, growth, and understanding. Here's to another day of exploration and discovery.

Until next time,

Matt "Coach IV" Ivey

Founder, Dyslexic.ai