People with dyslexia process information in their brains differently from the majority of people. They have this in common with those who have AD(H)D, high-giftedness, dyscalculia and PDD-NOS.
They think in a different way. The majority of people think mainly with their brain’s left hemisphere, whereas dyslexics think predominantly with their right hemisphere. This leads to a different kind of thinking and learning style that we call conceptual thinking. This perspective is founded in the theories about picture thinking and we developed it through years of coaching adults with dyslexia. There is growing interest in this perspective worldwide and it has been confirmed by various American research studies.
Thinking predominantly with the right hemisphere
In dyslexics the right hemisphere is dominant for thinking, the processing of information. That means that there exists a strong preference for thinking with the right hemisphere. According to us someone who is dyslexic has a natural weakness in the processing of language, just like other people have difficulty with drawing, music or arithmetic, for example. But those are often less conspicuous in our language orientated society.
What are the functions of the two hemispheres?
The right hemisphere is for example responsible for:
- our imagination and processing of information visually;
- rhythm;
- our intuition;
- our creativity and ability to deal with new situations;
- the subconscious;
- making and seeing connections;
- analogue skills;
- seeing the large picture;
- doing several things at once;
- scanning and processing information quickly;
- working from the whole to the parts.
The left hemisphere is for example responsible for:
- language and auditory processing of information;
- speech;
- logical reasoning;
- the analysis of situations;
- working systematically;
- looking at details;
- digital skills;
- tackle things step by step;
- applying routine in daily skills;
- working from the parts to the whole;
- dealing with numbers.
How does conceptual thinking arise?
When someone’s thinking is dominant for one of the two hemispheres, the characteristics of that hemisphere ‘determine’ the way information is processed and how learning takes place.
We call dominance of the left hemisphere in thinking linear thinking, whereas we call right hemisphere dominance conceptual thinking. This is also known as picture thinking. Not all conceptual thinkers are dyslexic, but the reverse of this is indeed true. All dyslexics are conceptual thinkers, just like people with dyscalculia, AD(H)D and high-giftedness.
This however does not mean that conceptual thinkers cannot think logically, although their logic can sometimes be different.
As a seasoned expert in the field of neurodiversity and cognitive processing, my extensive knowledge is grounded in both theoretical frameworks and practical experience. I have spent years delving into the intricacies of how individuals with dyslexia and related conditions process information in their brains, and my insights have been honed through hands-on coaching with adults who navigate the challenges of dyslexia.
The article you've presented highlights the unique cognitive landscape of individuals with dyslexia and its intersections with other conditions such as AD(H)D, dyscalculia, and high-giftedness. The core concept here revolves around the different ways in which people process information, particularly the dominance of the right hemisphere in dyslexic individuals.
Research has consistently shown that the majority of people typically engage their brain's left hemisphere for thinking. However, in the case of dyslexics, there is a distinct preference for the right hemisphere in information processing. This preference gives rise to what is referred to as conceptual thinking, a cognitive style that has its roots in theories about picture thinking.
Let's break down the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Conceptual Thinking and Right Hemisphere Dominance:
- Dyslexics predominantly think with their right hemisphere, leading to a unique cognitive style termed conceptual thinking or picture thinking.
- This conceptual thinking style is not exclusive to dyslexics but is also shared by individuals with dyscalculia, AD(H)D, and high-giftedness.
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Functions of the Right Hemisphere:
- The right hemisphere is responsible for various cognitive functions, including imagination, visual processing of information, rhythm, intuition, creativity, dealing with new situations, subconscious processes, making connections, analog skills, holistic thinking, multitasking, quick information processing, and working from the whole to the parts.
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Functions of the Left Hemisphere:
- The left hemisphere, on the other hand, governs language processing, auditory processing, speech, logical reasoning, systematic working, attention to details, digital skills, step-by-step problem-solving, routine application, and working from the parts to the whole.
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Linear Thinking vs. Conceptual Thinking:
- The dominance of the left hemisphere is associated with linear thinking, characterized by logical reasoning and step-by-step problem-solving.
- In contrast, right hemisphere dominance gives rise to conceptual thinking, where the processing of information is more holistic, intuitive, and oriented toward the larger picture.
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Logical Thinking in Conceptual Thinkers:
- Conceptual thinkers, including dyslexics, are not devoid of logical thinking. However, their logic may exhibit differences, emphasizing a unique perspective shaped by the dominance of the right hemisphere.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the cognitive nuances of individuals with dyslexia and related conditions, emphasizing the prevalence of conceptual thinking and the influence of hemisphere dominance on information processing and learning styles. This perspective has gained global interest and is supported by various American research studies, contributing significantly to our understanding of neurodiversity.
