Dyslexia is not a gift, but it is not that simple

Abstract

There has been relentless debate as to whether dyslexia is a gift, and specifically, if dyslexics are more creative than the average person, despite established research evidence that there is no difference in creativity between those with and without dyslexia. With this paper, I outline that this conversation is not that simple, and one must consider society's view of disability and the developmental experience of growing up in a society that devalues dyslexic people. I conclude by positing that while dyslexia is not a gift, it is a part of neurodiversity. Highlights: This paper describes the nuances as to why, while dyslexia is not a gift, it is not that simple. As dyslexics develop, they exist within an ableist society that devalues people who are struggling readers, disabled, and neurodivergent. Dyslexia does not need to come with special gifts in order for dyslexics to hold value in society. Dyslexics are part of neurodiversity, and neurodiversity is valued.