About Embrace Dyslexia

About Embrace Dyslexia

The EMBRACE DYSLEXIA campaign seeks to debunk common misconceptions about dyslexia, encourage dyslexic people to embrace their learning differences and to call organisations to take greater action in helping dyslexics by working with DAS. 

Dyslexia & Evolution

A new theory on dyslexia!  Dr Helen Taylor proposes that dyslexia helps us to evolve as a species, it is though our differently wired brain that we are able to explore opportunities for adapting as a species.  Helen was a key-note presenter at our UNITE SPLD 2022 Conference

DYSLEXIA & EVOLUTION – UNITE SPLD 2022  

Presentation by Dr Helen Taylor 

Creator of ‘The Evolution of Complementary Cognition’ – a new scientific theory that explains how our species adapt and evolve.
Helen’s research explores individuals with dyslexia and their “differently wired brains” as an essential function in human adaption. Most research into dyslexia looks at the educational challenges and deficits. However, individuals with dyslexia are also proposed to have strengths, such as creativity, discovery, and invention. These strengths play an essential role in human evolution highlighting those individuals with dyslexia have a tendency towards strategies that specialise in exploration and innovation. Our evolutionary history is established because humans have adapted to change and that individual specialisations are necessary to make that change. Indeed, dyslexia is a necessary trait for human evolution. Individuals with dyslexia and their different way of thinking are essential to exploring the unknown, identifying where change needs to happen, and making world-changing possibilities a reality. This research emphasises the urgency of changing educational practices and nurturing the strengths of dyslexia, valuing their way of thinking, and moving towards a more sustainable society. The dyslexia brain is what humanity needs in the challenges it now faces.
 
Read more about her research  here.

Entrepreneurs with Dyslexia: Turning Challenges into Strengths

Dyslexia is often seen as a learning difference that presents challenges in traditional education, but research shows it can also be a powerful driver of success, particularly in the entrepreneurial world. A study conducted by Deborah Hewes, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Developmental Differences, revealed that dyslexic individuals in Singapore are more than 2.5 times as likely to become entrepreneurs compared to the general population. This groundbreaking research highlights how the unique cognitive strengths of dyslexics, such as creativity, visual-spatial thinking, and resilience, enable them to thrive in dynamic and innovative environments.

The research found that while early educational experiences for dyslexic entrepreneurs were often marked by struggle, these challenges fostered determination, adaptability, and a desire to succeed. Many entrepreneurs with dyslexia cited their learning differences as a direct inspiration for starting their own businesses. Their ability to delegate, communicate effectively, and harness team support around a compelling vision stood out as key attributes contributing to their success.

This aligns with international findings, including research by Dr Helen Taylor, which emphasises the evolutionary importance of dyslexia in solving complex problems and driving innovation. Together, these insights reinforce the concept of “positive dyslexia”—a narrative that shifts focus from the challenges of dyslexia to the strengths it can unlock in individuals.

At the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, we embrace this narrative. By understanding and nurturing these strengths, we can create environments that empower individuals with dyslexia to achieve their full potential, both in education and beyond. Dyslexia is not just a difference—it is a source of unique and valuable talent that contributes to the diversity and progress of our world.

To read more about this research click here

Do you embrace dyslexia?

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Launch of Embrace Dyslexia - November 2014

The late Dr Jimmy Daruwalla, DAS President (1992 to 2016) shared his vision for Embrace Dyslexia, during his presentation speech at the Embrace Dyslexia Dinner held on 19 November 2014 at Hotel Jen, Singapore.

As we know, the only natural resource available to us in Singapore is human capital. We cannot afford to let even a single child fall by the wayside. This is not only because of an inability to read and write, but because dyslexia also has several positive aspects and we need to mine these qualities.

dr jimmy daruwalla

Late Dr Jimmy Daruwalla

DAS President, 1992 to 2016

Feature Videos

Watch more videos on our DAS Youtube Channel.

A New World Shaped by Dyslexics: Thomas G. West Presents at the Embrace Dyslexia Seminar (Singapore)

The late Dr Jimmy Daruwalla’s speech at Embrace Dyslexia Dinner Celebration November 2014.

Embrace Dyslexia:
Unlocking Potential
Famous People with Dyslexia

Special Guest - Thomas G. West

Our DAS Friend and Guest Speaker Thomas G. West, pictured here with Dr Jiajia (aka Chua Jin Sen) and his sister Chua Jin Zhu.

He has authored three books featured below:

Thinking like Einstein

In the Mind’s Eye

Seeing What Others Cannot See

Thomas has also written articles for our FACETS magazine, DAS Handbook and the Asia Pacific Journal of Developmental Differences.

See his articles here: 

About the Author: Thomas G West:

For more information about Thomas G. West and his books see these links:

https://books.google.com.sg/books/about/Seeing_What_Others_Cannot_See.html?id=BOUpDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y&hl=en
https://krasnow.gmu.edu/trustees/biotw/