The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read... and How They Can Learn [Paperback]

Ronald D. Davis (Author), Eldon M. Braun (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

The author shares the startling discovery that enabled him to overcome his own dyslexia, reveals how dyslexia can be related to high levels of intelligence, and offers a plan that anyone with dyslexia can use to conquer the common disability. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Levinson's use of patient testimonials and case studies to describe his breakthroughs in the treatment of dyslexia makes for a medical text that reads like a novel. He traces both his research on the connection between dyslexia and the inner ear and cerebellum and also the scientific community's skepticism regarding his claims. Formerly a professor at New York University Medical School and currently director of the Medical Dyslexic Treatment Center, Levinson acknowledges criticism and errors and, overall, offers a balanced view of his methods. In the process, he reveals the unfortunate increase in the politics of scientific research. Levinson's book is recommended as a source for the most current research, an account of the patients' plight, and an expose of the scientific debate. Davis, on the other hand, emphasizes child development, psychology, and education rather than medical treatment. As a dyslexic individual and a teacher, he offers a unique perspective on the subject of learning disabilities. Through his own real-life experiences he shares what everyone needs to know about dyslexia, what the dyslexic student encounters in a typical school, and what is needed to teach such students effectively. To support his conclusion that dyslexics have special talents of perception, imagination, and intuition, Davis cites talented and brilliant figures from Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci to Churchill and Walt Disney. He concludes with a test, written in simple language and printed in a large typeface to make it easier to read. Given Levinson's medical focus, his text is recommended for academic and larger public libraries, while Davis's book is appropriate for all types of libraries.
Samuel T. Huang, Northern Illinois Univ. Libs., DeKalb
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Ronald D. Davis, who was diagnosed at infancy with severe autism, overcame his own learning challenges and refined his methods over years of working with hundreds of children with dyslexia. He is the Founder of Davis Dyslexia Association International and the Reading Research Council. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039952293X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399522932
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (123 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,804 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

112 of 115 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book can change a life, January 9, 2005

By 

Lauraloo Mattox "tumble3" (Atlanta, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read... and How They Can Learn (Paperback)

My son is dyslexic. For years, reading was a source of frustration and inevitable tears. He struggled, I struggled, his teachers struggled. Little improvement was made for years.

Then, for 4th grade, I homeschooled him. My father bought me this book. I devoured it. I learned from it and I put it to use. THe changes were dramatic and faster than I could have ever expected.

The book explains so much about the nature of dyslexia, and it gives realistic excercises to do. And they are fun to do, so even my reluctant 9 year old was enjoying himself!

Now he is in 5th grade back at his old school. And he loves to read! Loves it! He's read Tolkien. He's on book 14 of the Redwall series. He reads everyday, and every night, in the car, in bed, everywhere. I am so grateful, so very grateful for this book.

As well as helping us bring the love of reading into my son's life, it also explains some of the benefits of dyslexia. Yes, benefits! Now, my son doesn't feel stigmatized. He is learning to put the strengths he has to use, and this book will help you do the same!

A life-changing book, I recommend it for anyone with even a touch of dyslexia. You will find it empowering!

122 of 127 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of Dyslexia, April 9, 2000

By 

kim norman (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read... and How They Can Learn (Paperback)

I have not only read the book, but was also fortunate enough to find a trained Davis facilitator to help my 9 year old son begin the process outlined in the book. My son , Edward is in the 3rd grade at a private school in Nashville, TN. Edward is very smart, but he couldn't learn to read. Yes, he could read with great frustration and "muddle" through, but only at about beginning first grade level.We had him "tested" on the advice of his kindergarten teacher(auditory processing was the diagnosis)and we began the painful tutoring journey with phonics-based programs(Linda-Mood Bell, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson,etc.) In spite of following the "experts'" advice Edward could not read. His teacher and tutor said "he wasn't trying hard enough." Not trying hard enough? Baloney! I saw daily the look of pain and frustration on my child's face as he struggled to read. He simply had not been given the right tools to decode the English language. Edward is dyslexic. This program has given Edward the tools he needs to be a fluid reader with full comprehension. His self confidence is high and he's having fun. I am greatful to Ron Davis for sharing this information with my child and me. It has changed my child's and my life forever. Thank you.

80 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped my 9 year old with more than reading, December 3, 2002

By 

Kate Picher "Two cat owner" (California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read... and How They Can Learn (Paperback)

A friend loaned me this book when I told her I thought my 9 year old could hardly read. She is extremely bright (GATE child), yet could barely read a beginner's chapter book. It was a fight just to get her to read 10 minutes a day. Her teacher told me she had identified her for remedial reading.

I read The Gift of Dyslexia cover to cover in one afternoon. The next day I did the "perceptual ability assessment" with my daughter, literally reading the script as we went along. She understood right away. The next day we did the "orientation counseling." At the end of the session, she was so excited to discover which words were "making her brain jump." After that we did the clay letters and clay representations of her "jump" words. She was retested at school and she now reads above grade level. She also loves to read and is enjoying the Animorphs series.

I also use the "orientation point" when she works on math, specifically math facts. She can now whiz through her multiplication table, and when she gets frustrated, knows that it is the "brain jump" that occured.

I would highly recommend this book, even if your child has not been diagnosed as "dyslexic." It has changed the lives of everyone in our household.