Successful Dyslexics

Luz Rello is a Spanish researcher who has dedicated her PhD research and fellowship to studying and understanding dyslexia.

Dr. Ryan reflects on dyslexia, making mistakes, and the power of a genuine apology.

What is a 504 plan? If you're unsure, be sure to check out this great video in our November 2012 eNewsletter.

Bollywood producer and actor Abhishek Bachchan has struggled with dyslexia since he was a child.

This story was submitted to us by a dyslexic teacher/tutor of dyslexic children.

This Green Bay Packers player discovered he was dyslexic through exploring his talents on the football field.

Alexander Faludy is known as a child prodigy because of his vast intelligence. From England, he truly has defied all odds to get where he is today.

Alyssa Milano has had her share of success, despite being dyslexic.

Anderson Cooper is a well-known journalist and TV personality on CNN, but he struggled with dyslexia at a young age.

Andrew Dornenburg’s path to success in the culinary world has been anything but linear.

Press officer at the disability charity Scope, Anja Dembina has found great success in the media and public relations department despite her dyslexia challenges

The following story was submitted to us via email by Joshua Brown and was written by Anna's mother, Sarah J. Brown.

Imagine you were 12 and were asked to leave schools because you were dyslexic. That’s what Ansel Adams went through when he was young.

How was Anthony Hopkins able to win an Oscar, two Emmys, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement? He credits his dyslexia for his interest in acting.

Edward Irving Wortis, or known to most by his pen name Avi, is an award-winning children’s book author.

Shark Tank celebrity investor and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran didn’t do well in school when she was younger. Her grades suffered because of dyslexia, which she wasn’t fully aware she had until her son began to have trouble in school in a similar nature.

The invention of the Intel Reader was inspired by its creator's dyslexia.

British playwright and novelist Bernard Taylor surrounded himself with the literary arts. He studied at an art college in London and moved to New York City as a young man, where he made a living as an actor, writer, and illustrator.

The famed Taebo expert discovered his dyslexia late in life, but is still a successful body-shaping sensation.

Blake Charlton learned to cope with his dyslexia by developing humor and making fun of himself.

Co-creator, executive producer, and writer of hit TV shows Glee and American Horror Story, Brad Falchuk has made a career out of his talents despite living with dyslexia.

American journalist and author, Byron Pitts has had his own struggles with dyslexia.

For a woman who has made a breakthrough in DNA and cancer research and won a Nobel Prize, it’s hard to imagine that she was barely accepted to graduate school.

Case studies of individuals with dyslexia who achieved positive outcomes by employing each person's strengths and interests in therapy

Growing up, Catherine Drennan would have never imagined herself as a professor in chemistry and biology at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Channing Tatum struggled with both ADHD and dyslexia as a kid growing up. He was placed in the special education classroom with children who had Down Syndrome and autism because of his learning disabilities.

Charles Schwab, the 67th richest man in America and one of the world’s most influential and esteemed businessmen, credits his success to his dyslexia.

It may be hard to believe that one of the most famous entertainers ever was a high school dropout.

Former So You Think You Can Dance participant Chris Koehl opens up about his learning disability.

Christopher Lowell has worn a variety of hats in his career, simultaneously being an interior decorator and a well-known television personality on the Discovery Channel.

Chuck Lotta, also referred to as “Professor” by the people who have seen his work at the annual festival known as Burning Man, has created a life for himself around the element of fire.

Teachers play a vital role in recognizing if a student is showing signs of a learning impairment. They can accommodate for a child’s learning disability in a variety of ways- providing additional worksheets, introducing a topic through a different angle, and other supplementary material.

A 95-year-old former teacher talks about how he continues to help dyslexics succeed.

Craig McCaw took over the family business after his father passed away, building a $12.6 billion cellular company that began in his Stanford dorm room.

Rather than viewing his dyslexia as an obstacle, Daniel Powter calls it a “gift,” that allows him to focus on his own compositions and experience music from a purely auditory outlet without the barrier of sheet music.

Growing up in Peterborough, England, Danny Boome struggled greatly with math, was known for having a shorter attention span than most, and found reading aloud to be a genuine nightmare.

"Try to remember that being unsuccessful in school doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be unsuccessful in life. Lots of people who didn’t excel in school still went on to have successful lives."

David Boies has been involved in many high-profile lawsuits in the United States, but he struggles with reading and has a very limited vocabulary. How is he a successful lawyer with those struggles?

David Neeleman has founded three different airlines in his career, while also dealing with the everyday stresses of dyslexia as well as ADHD.

Not many people know who invented the Segway, the futuristic-looking individual transportation vehicle, but now you do.

Known for her success as a romance novelist, Debbie Macomber has struggled with dyslexia all throughout her life.

Deirdre Silvestri made her dream of becoming an author come true. She is severely dyslexic, and it was well into her adult life until she was able to read well.

Dyslexic Diana Heldfond seeks to help students with learning disabilities through her education startup.

This was written by Dillon Brennan, a bright young dyslexic who wrote in and offered to share his story.

Even with dyslexia, Dominic O’Brien has matched his memory against the greatest memory experts in the world and has come out victorious many times.

Booth fell in love with acting at age 12 when he starred in a school play and decided he liked the onstage spotlight. But there was one problem-- Booth was dyslexic and wasn’t looking for a future with so many words.

Dr. Helen Taussig persisted through years of higher education and medical school despite dyslexia and is now known as the founder of pediatric cardiology.

One of the most influential and successful Hispanic Americans, Edward James Olmos grew up in a poor neighborhood in East Los Angeles and struggled with dyslexia all through his schooling and career.

Eric Adams went from a student struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to the mayor of NYC working to make resources accessible to all youth with learning disorders in NYC.

Erin Brockovich overcame dyslexia to become the lawyer who won a $333 million class-action lawsuit -- the largest of its kind in U.S. history.

Ethan Korock is an ambitious student with a passion for golf; he also has dyslexia. DyslexiaHelp has both helped him, and inspired him to give back to support others who also struggle with the disability.

Ever since she was six years old, Fannie Flagg had wanted to be a writer, but her dyslexia delayed that career.

The following was written by a very ambitious, intelligent, and confident dyslexic law student who got in touch with us via Reddit in May of 2013 and offered to share his remarkable story.

Consistency, firmness, and a forgiving attitude are just three of these five solid attributes required for guiding your dyslexic child down the path of success.

This San Francisco 49ers running back has struggled with dyslexia, but has still gone on to become a professional football player.

Fred Forsley turned a struggling restaurant into Maine’s largest craft brewery before starting a string of successful restaurants.

Dutch multimedia artist GabyGaby shares his all-positive attitude about his dyslexia.

Gary Payton II has an ongoing struggle with self-confidence due to his dyslexia, but he has not let those doubts cripple his promising career.

Gavin Newsom was San Francisco's mayor for almost ten years before becoming the state of California’s Lieutenant Governor.

Even one of the world’s greatest divers ever has overcome some setbacks.

For artist Heather Day, dyslexia has changed the way she looks at life.

Award-winning designer Henry Franks has found great success by incorporating his dyslexia into his work.

In addition to factors such as intelligence and socio- economic status, other things affect the dyslexic’s chances for success.

Watch this video on how to request an evaluation in our February 2013 eNewsletter.

Gary Karton used to think of his learning disability as a form of torture, but not anymore.

The late founder of the Apple Company shares his wisdom on how to achieve success in life.

One thing that didn’t stop artist Jacob Meders from living his dream was his dyslexia.

James Grady is dyslexic. He is also the author of Six Days of the Condor, Mad Dogs, and over ten other adult novels.

This man earned his PhD, worked with the Michigan Department of Education, and co-authored a book, all despite having dyslexia.

Children's author and playwright, Jane Elson, did not imagine herself as a writer when she was a kid.

Comedian and former host of The Tonight Show Jay Leno believes that hard work, perseverance, humor, and a positive attitude have been the driving factors for his success in show business and overcoming dyslexia.

Entrepreneur calls his dyslexia a unique advantage

Jeremy Bonderman’s Major League Baseball career almost didn’t exist because of his dyslexia.

The WNBA’s #1 Draft pick of 2015, Jewell Loyd, went through a lot of hoops to secure her spot on the Seattle Storm basketball team.

Many scholars studying dyslexia have gone through extensive schooling to become experts in the field, but for one member of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), it was her experience that taught her what she knows.

Assistant Coach of the Green Bay Packers, Joe Whitt, struggled with dyslexia from an early age.

It took a couple of large setbacks for John Chambers to realize that he could overcome anything.

This renowned author notes that his dyslexia is an advantage in his writing career.

John Lennon's beautiful music with the Beatles would not have existed without his perseverance through dyslexia.

27-year-old Jordan Toma has a strong message for those, like himself, with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

IndyCar driver Justin Wilson is no stranger to hard work and perseverance.

Did you know actress Keira Knightley originally got into acting because of her learning disability?

This dyslexic college student has published her first novel and more are to come.

Nine-year-old Lillian Harris used to approach speaking aloud in school with alarm and dread, but upon learning she has dyslexia, her confidence in school has grown dramatically.

Lindsay Wagner became a household name in the 1970s due to her role as the main character of the hit TV show The Bionic Woman. Her interest in acting developed as a child, when she could express and cope with her emotions in acting classes—trying emotions in both her family and academic life.

Both a lawyer and consultant for disability accommodations in the academic world, Liz Ball has accomplished a lot for those with learning disabilities.

Magic Johnson may be most famous for his project in public awareness to help combat HIV. But there was another disability Johnson struggled with in his youth — dyslexia.

Dr. Ryan explains the meaning and inspiration behind the phrase he always uses to end his letters.

Not being able to read until he was in middle school didn’t stop Mark Schlereth from becoming a successful NFL player.

A young woman discusses her dyslexia and how it has not stopped her from writing.

Novelist Max Brooks comes from Hollywood parents Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, but his life has been far from glamorous.

The following was written by Megan Beland, a dyslexic author and illustrator who wrote a very heartwarming kids book about her little sister.

Despite all his success as a senator from Colorado, Michael Bennet failed the second grade.

Read our July 2012 e-newsletter to learn about a stand-up comedian, working memory, and DyslexiaHelp's Pinterest page.

A winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the former White House Chief of Protocol, Nancy Brinker has had an incredible role in advocating for safety, health, and the overall prosperity of our nation and modern world

It wasn’t long before a young Nelson Rockefeller knew he would have to work twice as hard as his peers in order to succeed-- and succeed he did, becoming the Vice President of the United States under the administration of Gerald Ford.

Throughout her 20 years in the industry, her short films and documentaries have been aired on TV programs including HBO as well as online news outlets.

Olympic Gold Medalist, Noah Lyles Struggles with Dyslexia

Nolan Ryan completed 27 seasons as a Major League Baseball pitcher before retiring in 1993, the longest career of any major league baseball player. But his academic status was not as successful as athletic skill. Ryan’s dyslexia proved to be just as tough as the sports he played.

Actress and author Octavia Spencer has not let her dyslexia stand in her way.

Omari McQueen is a TV Chef, Entrepreneur, CEO, and author all at the age of 12.

Dr. Ryan showcases how people with dyslexia are exceptional.

Dyslexic author/illustrator and Michigan native Patricia Polacco talks about her work.

This whiz of a computer programmer and CEO of Buyometric found success in spite of dyscalculia.

This world-renowned dyslexic artist found his calling in glassblowing.

Pete Denman designed Stephen Hawking's speech software

Comedian Phil Hanley says he uses his dyslexia to enhance his creativity.

Poet and teacher shares his struggle with dyslexia

Although royalty, Swedish Prince Carl Philip has endured struggles just like the average person.

Swedish Crown Princess Victoria was bullied because of her struggles with reading and writing. She now speaks up for dyslexic children.

Quinn Lathrop is an amazing 11-year-old who embraces his dyslexia as a gift and is passionate about educating the world about his gift.

This dyslexic woman, fascinated by dyslexia, used her artistic abilities to create sculptures that represent brain cells.

The New York Jets coach embraces his dyslexia and encourages fellow dyslexics to do the same.

Engel's dyslexia helped him realize his passion for being thrown into alien environments and learning to survive.

Architect Richard Rogers is perhaps best known for designing iconic structures like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Millennium Dome and the Maggie’s Centre in London and Terminal 4 Barajas Airport, Madrid.

Robert Rauschenberg’s dyslexia helped him create art—art that uses words.

Robin Williams is a common name to people who are familiar with comedic movies and sitcoms. Despite having dyslexia, Williams has proven himself in the acting world through his extraordinary talent.

Learning a second language isn’t an easy task, but for Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek, it wasn’t impossible, even with her learning disability.

A graduate of the University of Portsmouth with a degree in graphic design, Barclay has combined his experiences with dyslexia and his interest in typographic design into I Wonder What It’s Like to be Dyslexic, a book which describes and visually depicts his experience of what it’s like to read. Barclay, using his own experience with dyslexia, manipulates and modifies text on the pages of his book to create a difficult reading journey for its readers.

Scott Sonnon overcame very severe dyslexia and abuse by becoming a five-time world martial arts champion.

With a multi-sensory approach to teaching, Lucas was able to return to traditional school feeling much more confident and focused.

Considered one of the greatest rowers and Olympians of all time, Steve Redgrave has devoted much of his life to the sport.

This star soccer player learned the true meaning of hard work, thanks to his dyslexia.

Did you know that many of the world’s most successful CEOs turned their learning disabilities into learning opportunities?

Despite not receiving help until her high school years, one of our former clients fought through her struggles in school because of her dyslexia.

Melissa has always loved science, attending NASA’s Space camp and Pilot Camp, but when it came to reading the textbooks, she struggled.

This dyslexic young girl has a flair for theater, singing, and helping others, and believes "if you’re dyslexic, you have a gift. You just have to find it."

I have read several books that were recommended to me, but I feel she needs more help. I am overwhelmed and don't know where to turn. Can you make any other suggestions?

English actress and 3-time Emmy Award winner Susan Hampshire went 30 years of her life before finding out she had dyslexia.

Rather than spending our lives like the fish trying to climb a tree and feeling stupid, we should find our strengths and passions and follow them.

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The former Denver Broncos quarterback gives talks about his dyslexia and reads "Green Eggs and Ham" aloud.

Toby Rosewater, an insightful student with dyslexia, shares his journey and techniques to a love for writing.

Thomas Bolin ‘Tom’ Smothers, known for his role in the comedic TV duo The Smothers Brothers, earned his fame and by portraying the ‘dumber’ of the two brothers. Smothers accepted his role as part of his own life too, recognizing that he wasn’t as good at spelling and reading as his classmates throughout his schooling.

Dr. Ryan completes his list of pointers on how to have a successful work life.

Dr. Ryan explains the importance in finding your calling.

Watch these videos to better understand dyslexia.

For Vince Vaughn, making people laugh has never been hard. But not all things in life have come easy for the famous funnyman.

Caryn Elaine Johnson, otherwise known as Whoopi Goldberg, is a talented actress, comedian, author, television host, and activist.

No matter how brilliant you are, you need to learn to translate your unique ideas and visions into words.

Will Marsh discovered that he was dyslexic in the third grade and decided shortly after that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others living with dyslexia.

William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), was expected to attend the prestigious Stanford College from an early age. His early academic performance did not project a Stanford acceptance, though.

Success and Dyslexia is aimed at helping dyslexics manage their disability. Learn more by watching the video in our November 2011 eNewsletter.

Understand how word retrieval fluency and rapid automatic naming affect a dyslexic individual.

This bright young dyslexic went from school struggles to straight A's.