Invariably, children with DYS disorders (dyspraxia, dysphasia, dyslexia, dyscalculia…) are identified by their disability, their learning difficulty. Yet these differences also reflect qualities and strengths that are absolutely essential to nurture, both at school and in everyday life. Let’s break down the 4 great strengths and qualities of children with DYS.
Perseverance, the ability to never give up
Whatever the nature of the difficulty (maths, reading, motor skills…), a child with DYS is quickly confronted with obstacles. As with all types of disability, they will use coping strategies to adapt. Beyond those provided by family, teaching staff, and specialists (speech therapists, occupational therapists…), they will need to show real determination to move forward.
Since this isn’t an innate ability, perseverance must be encouraged by every means possible, such as positive parenting to build confidence, or systematically searching for solutions.
Logic, the ability to solve problems
Contrary to a still all-too-common misconception, a child with DYS does not have an intellectual disability: with normal intelligence, they simply need tools and accommodations to carry out certain tasks. In dyslexic people, research shows that the right hemisphere of the brain is more active than average, reflecting their problem-solving ability. A logic that is clearly valued, since an English study showed that their proportion in business leadership roles was higher than in the general population.
With more kindness and inclusion, children with DYS could help build a more diverse and understanding society…
Imagination, the ability to escape
Often singled out in class for daydreaming or laziness, a child with DYS tends to immerse themselves in an imaginary world—especially if they struggle to communicate (dysphasia or Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without Hyperactivity). This ability to create a world helps develop their artistic sense, which they can later share with the outside world as an adult. Many people with DYS are artists: Pablo Picasso, Mika, Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg…
Rarely valued in the school setting, imagination is a gift that must be nurtured, with patience and understanding: getting lost in their thoughts doesn’t mean a child with DYS doesn’t want to work, their brain has simply taken a different path…
Empathy, the ability to listen to others’ emotions
Since a child with DYS experiences many feelings that take time to identify, they are often highly attuned to those of the people around them. A study by the University of California conducted in November 2020 showed that dyslexic people have increased emotional hypersensitivity and greater self-awareness—high emotional potential that can become a real asset in human relationships.
While this empathy is a strength, it does require working on it with the help of a psychologist, to understand its inner workings and avoid its pitfalls (anxiety, depression).
