Entrepreneurs, architects and artists: Why people with dyslexia may be attracted to certain jobs | UK News
New research may explain why people with dyslexia are attracted to certain professions – including arts, engineering and business.
The University of Cambridge says people with dyslexia are better able to explore the unknown – and have “enhanced abilities” when it comes to discovery, invention and creativity.
Famous people suffering from dyslexia including Cher, Keira Knightley and Richard Branson – as well as legendary figures like Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.
The people behind the study say the world needs to change its perspective and stop treating dyslexia as a neurological disorder.
Estimates suggest that up to 20% of the population has dyslexia – and the purpose of the study was to better understand their cognitive strengths.
Lead author Dr Helen Taylor said “the focus on dyslexia doesn’t tell the whole story” because people with the disorder “play an essential role in human adaptation”.
Many people with dyslexia thrive on exploratory learning – and “finding the unknown” through experimentation, discovery, and innovation.
This is in contrast to exploitative learning, which focuses on what is known – including tasks like reading and writing that can be difficult for someone with dyslexia.
Dr. Taylor said: “Schools, academic institutions and workplaces are not designed to make the most of discovery learning. But we need to start cultivating this mindset to allow humanity to continue. continue to adapt and address important challenges”.
She added: “It may also explain why people with dyslexia seem to be drawn to certain professions that require exploration-related abilities, such as art, architecture , engineering and business.”
Forty years ago, American neuroscientist Norman Geschwind noted that a growing number of studies showed that people with dyslexia often have “a remarkable talent for certain nonverbal skills”.
Academics suggest that different but complementary ways of thinking strengthen our ability to adapt through cooperation.
The new paper has been published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
