Attention Austin Creative Artists and Professionals with Super Powers!

Dyslexia is often associated with challenges learning to read and write, but it turns out that dyslexics also have strengths, or super powers, that let them excel in a variety of different professions, notably the creative and performing arts including design, music, acting, photography, painting, sculpting, and writing, among others.

We are a group of parents of dyslexics working to form a new non-profit to support Austin area dyslexic students and their parents. As part of our effort, we are looking to connect with dyslexic creative artists and professionals, among other successful adult dyslexics, to help as advisors and participate in programs we are developing. One program is focused on bringing dyslexic adults into schools to help dyslexic students see that there are paths through life that let them leverage their strengths.

Successful dyslexic creative artists and professionals credit their dyslexia for their amazing creativity and with helping them to be able to see the ‘big picture’ as well as contribute to their strong problem solving and three-dimensional, spatial awareness and visualization skills. Notable creative geniuses throughout history and creative professionals today include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Agatha Christie, Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett, Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams, Walt Disney, John Lennon, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jay Leno.

Author John Irving talks about his dyslexia and how it helped him achieve success here.

Because of their natural strengths, dyslexics are likely over represented in the creative arts and professions as compared to the general population, where between 16% and 20% of people are dyslexic. But overall, as few as 5% of dyslexics are actually identified as such. If you think you may be dyslexic, click here and here for two quick screening tests.

Looking to Connect with Austin-area Dyslexics
If you are a dyslexic creative artist or professional or work in a related field, we would welcome the opportunity to talk about how you might be able to help younger dyslexics identify their strengths and learn how to best apply them. Please click here to connect with us as we could greatly use your help.