Dyslexia linked to talent: global visual-spatial ability

Brain Lang. 2003 Jun;85(3):427-31. doi: 10.1016/s0093-934x(03)00052-x.

Abstract

Dyslexia has long been defined by deficit. Nevertheless, the view that visual-spatial talents accompany dyslexia has grown, due to reports of individuals with dyslexia who possess visual-spatial strengths, findings of elevated incidence of dyslexia in certain visual-spatial professions, and the hypothesis that left-hemisphere deficits accompany right-hemisphere strengths. Studies have reported superior, inferior, and average levels of visual-spatial abilities associated with dyslexia. In two investigations, we found an association between dyslexia and speed of recognition of impossible figures, a global visual-spatial task. This finding suggests that dyslexia is associated with a particular type of visual-spatial talent-enhanced ability to process visual-spatial information globally (holistically) rather than locally (part by part).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptitude*
  • Creativity*
  • Dyslexia / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Random Allocation
  • Reaction Time
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology*