Rising Above Dyslexia: A journey, call for understanding

By Abimbola Ola

Living with dyslexia has never been an easy journey. When Asabe Musa joined a uniformed organization, she faced challenges that tested her strength and confidence. Instead of encouragement, she was often misunderstood. Some colleagues believed she was not good enough.

Unknown to many, Asabe suffers from dyslexia. Dyslexia, also known as word blindness, is a neurobiological learning difference that affects reading, spelling and writing due to a difference in how the brain processes language. It causes difficulties in decoding (connecting letters to sounds) and other language-based tasks, but is not related to intelligence or vision problems. While challenging, dyslexia exists on a spectrum and with appropriate support, people with dyslexia can achieve success in various aspects of life.

While Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information, but it can also lead to unique strengths like pattern recognition, problem-solving and creativity.

What part of the brain controls dyslexia?
Readers with dyslexia are often characterized by brain anomalies in the occipito-temporal cortex (OTC) and the temporo-parietal cortex (TPC). The OTC is frequently referred to as the brain’s letterbox, that is, the region in which neurons are specialized for recognizing strings of letters as known words.

Dyslexia does not mean weakness. It does not mean lack of intelligence. It simply means a person learn differently. Yes, it may take such a person longer to grasp instructions at first, but with time, patience, and determination, the person catches up and excel.

“They mocked me, whispered about me, and even reported me for the smallest mistakes—like the day a lady said I started with the wrong leg during parade. The ridicule was painful, but it did not break me. In fact, it became the fire that fueled my resilience. Dyslexia has taught me perseverance, humility, and strength. It has shown me that true ability lies not in being perfect, but in refusing to give up. For anyone living with dyslexia—or any challenge at all—know this: you are more than enough. Your journey may take a different path, but your destination can still be greatness,” she said.

Recognizing Dyslexia.

There are four types of dyslexia. These include phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder where the person often has difficulty reading and interpreting what they read. It is neither infectious nor brought on by vaccinations.

The common signs

Dyslexia shows up in different ways, but some common signs include:
Difficulty reading, spelling, or pronouncing words
Mixing up letters or numbers when writing
Struggling to follow instructions or remember sequences.
Reading slowly, or avoiding reading altogether.
Trouble organizing thoughts or keeping track of details
Low self-confidence in learning environments
It’s important to remember that dyslexia does not equal low intelligence. In fact, many people with dyslexia are highly creative, innovative, and talented in fields outside traditional academics.

Supporting Children with Dyslexia

Every child with dyslexia deserves love, patience, and opportunity.
Here’s what we can all do:
1. Practice Patience: Learning may take longer, but they will get there.
2. Encourage, Don’t Criticize: Replace negative words with praise and support.
3. Offer Creative Learning Tools: Use visuals, colors, technology, and hands-on activities.
4. Build Confidence: Celebrate strengths in arts, sports, creativity, or leadership.
5. Create Safe Spaces: Make children feel accepted and free to learn at their own pace.
6. Collaborate with Teachers: Parents and educators must work together for consistent support.
7. Advocate for Awareness: The more people understand dyslexia, the less stigma children will face.

Final Words
Dyslexia is not a limitation—it is a different way of seeing and experiencing the world. Those who live with it carry within them resilience, creativity, and courage. If society can show more compassion and patience, we will unlock the hidden brilliance in children who only need a chance to shine.