www.CreativeMindSeries.org

The Power of Learning Disabilities


INSIGHTS

Insight #1: History shows that some of the most creative people had learning disabilities.

Insight #2: If you have a learning disability, or know someone who does, look for the amazing ability!

TIPS

Tip #1: If you have a learning disability, KNOW that you are in the company of Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Beethoven, Agatha Christie, Tom Cruise, Whoopie Goldberg, and Robin Williams.

Tip #2: Being in the company of some of the most creative people, comes with a big responsibility. LEARN from the past.

Tip #3: If you think you might have a learning disability, but you are not sure, FIND OUT. Either your educational on-campus Health Services, or your general Health Care provider will help you to find out if you have a learning disability. You can begin by going to the Student Services office or Health Services office of your higher educational institution. You need to explore your disability to better recognize your amazing ability.

Tip #4: Even though you might consider it challenging to attend a college or university, UNDERSTAND that the higher educational system will support you to accomplish your goal in getting a degree. This support ranges from providing free laptops/computers/printers to you, allowing you to take tests in a more relaxed setting, or providing you with more time to complete tests. You might also qualify for financial assistance.

Tip #5: Having an amazing creative gift comes with a price. FIND the unique gift behind your disability and BE AWARE of the price and the challenges that you are facing. The list below might help you gain some important insights.


  Disabilities/Challenges Abilities
Leonardo da Vinci
(1452-1519)
Dyslexia, ADD, ED
spelling, writing right to left in mirror image,
incomplete projects, distracted
social issues
secret private life
painter, sculptor, scientist, botanist, inventor, mathematician, architect, engineer, anatomist, musician, writer
innovative
multitasking
intense curiosity
loved to observe nature
vegetarian
deep respect for life
Galileo Galilei
(1564-1642)

ADD
boredom at the university
outspoken to his professors
frequent absences from class
left university without degree
constant questioning of lectures and text at the university
little faith in established authority
enjoyed controversy, arguments

observational skills
being able to make astonishing connections
discoveries in astrology, astronomy, math, physics, technology, philosophy
considered "father of modern physics" and "father of science".
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770-1827)

ED
social issues
lack of self-restraint, discipline, culture
private issues
emotional issues, anger, depression, melancholy
laughing too much
introvert nature
frequent moves
strange personal habits (wearing dirty clothing)
poor physical health
washing compulsively
never married
fears, terror, anxiety
suicidal thoughts, depression

composer and pianist
ability to feel into the heights and depths of human emotions
ability to transfer emotions into music
sense of humor
awareness of his great artistic gift
awareness of his artistic destiny
awareness of despair
philosopher
"forced to become a philosopher already in my twenty-eighth year, - oh it is not easy, and for the artist much more difficult than for anyone else."*
Hans Christian Anderson
(1805-1875)
ED, Dyslexia
highly emotional
fears, hysterical attacks,
effeminate
unattractive
epileptic fits
physical and emotional abuse
alcoholic mother
backward, unwilling pupil, homely
world-famous author of fairy tales
internationally renowned and treasured artist
Thomas Edison
(1847-1931)
ADD
persistent questioning
self-centered behavior
scrambled thoughts
non-conformist
easily distracted
larger than average head
broad forehead
innovative
experimental
curious
inventor
businessman
prolific projects often occurring simultaneously (1093 patents)
ability to focus on multitude of tasks simultaneously
Orville Wright
(1867-1948)
ADD
mischievous behavior
class absences
did not graduate
inquisitive & curious mind
scientific experiments
inventions
own printing business with Wilbur
aeronautic accomplishments
Winston Churchill
(1874-1965)
Dyslexia, ADD, ED
bored quickly
mild depression
seasonal affective disorder syndrome
did not achieve much academically
failed courses numerous times
refused to study Latin and Greek
poor work and lack of effort
restless
high energy level
meddling
difficult to discern priorities or to stick with them

"He is here, there, and everywhere.." *

frail in health
accident prone
naughty, bumptious,
difficult to manage as a child
British Prime Minister
author, politician, inventor,, innovator, leader
self-learner,
intellectual curiosity
excellent management style


"....a gifted child who was therefore difficult." *
Albert Einstein
(1879-1955)
ADD
clashes with authority
resented school regimen
resented rote learning
shy child
very little skill for anything as a child
preferred to learn on his own
preferred travelling instead of preparing for exam, failed exam in general knowledge
physicist
great sense of curiosity
independent, critical thinker
played violin
passion for music
studied physics on his own
"The finest emotion of which we are capable is the mystic emotion. Herein lies the germ of all art and all true science."

Pablo Picasso
(1881-1973)
Dyslexia
reversed up/down, front/back
questioned authority
bad student
class absences
painter, sculptor, ceramicist, stage-designer, cofounder of cubism
innovative
visual perspective
unique perceptual ability
Agatha Christie
(1890-1976)
Dyslexia

"I, myself, was always recognized...as the 'slow one' in the family. It was quite true, and I knew it and accepted it. Writing and spelling were always terribly difficult for me. My letters were without originality. I was ...an extraordinarily bad speller and have remained so until this day." *

shyness
stage fright
best-selling novelist, crime and detective novels, short stories, plays
interest in music, dance, singing
original writing ideas
strong interest in reading and love for books
ability to break up,
analyze, and re-assemble objects from a multitude of innovative viewpoints
Putting the pieces
together in a greater and inventive context leaves the reader engaged and the murderer in her novels
as the most unlikely suspect.
pottery,
artifacts (married archeologist)
Harry Belafonte
(1927-present)

Dyslexia
born into poverty
high school drop out

"I was filled with discontent...couldn’t focus in the classroom... teachers were just really frustrated with my distraction ... left school one after the other there was always a celebration that I was out of the school... teachers were just overcome with my distractedness. (Laughter)...What it was was that it was an extreme case of dyslexia, and I could not really keep words in focus. They skipped and inverted and all the problems that we faced — nobody knew what that was, except that measured against my appearance I did not seem to be living up to my potential. I wasn’t living up to what my native intelligence, as they call it, appeared to be, as opposed to the failure of my academic pursuit."
Harry Belafonte in his interview with Tavis Smiley

Actor, producer, singer, music composer and arranger. He was the first recording artist to have a million-selling album and broke down racial barriers as TV's first Black producer and the first Black performer to win an Emmy. He's also known for his longtime and passionate commitment to civil and human rights issues. Belafonte was a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and raised money to release imprisoned civil rights protesters. He chronicles his journey in the inspiring memoir, My Song.
Cher Dyslexia
dreadful school experience
dropped out of school at 16
award-winning actress
singer, songwriter
director, author, entertainer
Whoopie Goldberg Dyslexia
dreadful school experience
dropped out of school at 16
actress
entertainer
Tom Cruise Dyslexia
mother had dyslexia
actor
Michael Phelps ADD/ADHD
surplus energy
medication
behavior modification in school
Gold medal Olympic champion in swimming

* Sources of all quotes are listed at the end of our Learning Disability Book.
     
     
Return to Home Page   Continue to Tips # 6 to Tip #10





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