The Dyslexic Advantage

by Brock L. Eide MD MA

Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide use their impressive backgrounds in neurology and education to debunk the standard deficit-based approach to dyslexia. People typically define "dyslexia" as a reading and spelling disorder. But through published research studies, clinical observations, and interviews with dyslexic individuals, the Eides prove that these challenges are not dyslexia's main features but are instead trade-offs resulting from a different pattern of brain organization and information processing that has powerful advantages. For example, dyslexic adults routinely outperform their non-dyslexic peers in studies on three-dimensional spatial reasoning and divergent creativity. Approximately twenty percent of the US population has dyslexia, and The Dyslexic Advantage shows how each one is predisposed to powerful skills called MIND strengths (Material, Interconnected, Narrative, and Dynamic Reasoning), leading them to possess incredible pattern detection, divergent thinking, episodic memory, problem solving, and prediction abilities.

The revised and updated edition of The Dyslexic Advantage includes eighteen rich new profiles of remarkable individuals with dyslexia. Blending personal stories with hard science, this book provides empowering advice on how to identify, understand, nurture, and enjoy the strengths of the dyslexic mind.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Meagan Painter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn’t recommend this book to a parent of a newly diagnosed dyslexic kid. It’s just too much anecdote for that time in life when you just want some facts and next steps. I just found that this book had too many “stories” and could have been shortened considerably. Perhaps that’s the point, since dyslexic individuals learn better in context. But, either way, it wasn’t for me. I think I was looking for an uplifting/empowering scientific read. It didn’t achieve that for me.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Packed full of good information, this was great for helping me understand a bit more how my partner’s mind works, and seeing how his dyslexia does give him an advantage in certain areas of his life. I also found it quite dry and it struggled to keep my attention.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred the first edition of this book! The updated version is way too long and technical and I wasn’t sure I would be able to slog my way through the entire thing. As a mom of a dyslexic child, I felt that the older edition gave me more usable info and insight and this one felt like something meant for a graduate level course rather than practical use.

[D.R. Oestreicher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research has shown that dyslexia comes with advantages, such as visualizing 3D spaces and objects, recognizing novel connections, creating stories, and predicting the future. If you are dyslexic or care about someone who is dyslexic, read this book now.

Reading challenges are the most well-known characteristics of dyslexia. These challenges range from not recognizing letters and not being able to decode words to not understanding or retaining what has been read. For example, I misread words, read slowly, and have difficulty understanding or retaining what I’ve read. Despite these challenges, I had a successful career in high technology and now write novels in my retirement. This book explains the connection between my challenges and successes.

Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for Omega Cats Press books and book recommendations.
For my extended notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2025/...

[Charlie Wyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with dyslexia or anyone going into education. As someone who grew up not understanding why I learned at such a different pace compared to my peers, this book was so relatable and reassuring. The way the book was written, especially the use of so many metaphors, fit perfectly with my learning style and how my brain works. I really enjoyed the chapters explaining the science and brain structures associated with dyslexic traits. Overall I think both Brock and Fernette Edie have done beautiful research and I love the positive message they spread through this book.

[Joshua Strayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by a good friend and mentor.
A truly fantastic read that clearly outlines and provides examples for a comprehensive look at dyslexia.
My only critique is that it could on occasion belabor the same point over and over to a bit of excess.
10/10 recommend whether you yourself or someone you know is or might be dyslexic.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good book if you want to learn about dyslexia. It is INCREDIBLY dense with scientific studies, source data, which means it can be both a bit of a slog but also clearly quite reliable-feeling.

The chapters on the individual types of strengths/difficulties/differences were definitely the best, and quite interesting.

[Karen Kinchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who parents, teaches, loves, or is a dyslexic thinker should read this book immediately! Great researched-based insight into how the brain works and all the possibilities that come from being dyslexic. I wish I’d read this years ago!

[Stacy Halley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a great book for me; a homeschooling mom with a dyslexic son. It could have been more concise but it is a refreshing perspective on dyslexia with lots of research and helpful info. It helped me understand why I have heard some say "Dyslexia is a superpower!"

[Michele Vaughn Dague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Callie Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the emphasis on strengths those with dyslexia have. Highly recommend if you or someone you know has dyslexia.