Deciphering Dyslexia

Deciphering Dyslexia attempts to demystify a learning disability that affects approximately 10% of the population, stressing that this genetically inherited neurological disorder has nothing to do with intelligence (or lack thereof)—citing Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill as notable examples. As the narrator of filmmaker Bruce Mohun's documentary explains, dyslexics “have trouble making links between the look of the letters, the sound the letters make, and the thing the word represents.” Deciphering Dyslexia profiles four individuals struggling with this condition—leading to academic, social, and psychological issues—who have also found ways to cope. As 13-year-old Tyler recalls, his classmates “started not liking me...nobody would talk to me or anything.” Kathryn, now 24, grew up thinking she was stupid, though her mother Fran knew otherwise and hired a tutor, yet Kathryn didn't really hit her stride until she transferred to a private school designed specifically for students with dyslexia. Still, with no cure, Kathryn will always have dyslexia (as does her 16-year-old sister, Beth). As for 10-year-old Jeremy, his difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling are somewhat offset by enhanced visual, spatial, and perceptual abilities, which isn't uncommon amongst dyslexics. Designed to raise awareness and increase understanding of the disorder, Deciphering Dyslexia also incorporates comments from teachers, tutors, and specialists, and examines alternate options—such as home schooling—for parents who can't afford private instruction. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)