Developmental Dyslexia Was Vital for Humanity’s Survival, Study Finds

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects up to 20% of the global population, causing many to struggle with reading, spelling, and writing. Despite the millions of people impacted by it, the condition continues to remain widely misinterpreted as an indicator of low intelligence. But University of Cambridge researchers hope to change the perception of dyslexia as a neurological disorder and combat the stigmas associated with it. In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists analyzed this common form of neurodiversity from an evolutionary perspective and found that it likely contributed to the successful adaptation and survival of the human race. While dyslexia does come with challenges, this condition also has useful skills and benefits. “Individuals with dyslexia are often fast problem-solvers, big-picture thinkers, great verbal communicators, and creative entrepreneurs” who are very capable of accomplishing their goals and contributing to society, Verywell Mind explains. According to lead author Dr. Helen Taylor, “the areas of difficulty experienced by people with dyslexia result from a cognitive trade-off between exploration of new information and exploitation of existing knowledge, with the upside being an explorative bias that could explain enhanced abilities observed in certain realms like discovery, invention and creativity.”

Dyslexia as a Strength