Page 40 - EngineerIT August-September 2025

NEURODIVERSITY

Dyslexia: the ancient brain difference

that predates the written word

he idea that dyslexia has been language in different areas of the literacy challenges. Studies indicate
around longer than books brain compared to neurotypical that dyslexia is linked to challenges
Tand reading is a powerful readers. A 2003 study published with working memory, sequencing,
reminder of the ancient roots of this in Science showed that dyslexic and phonological processing.
neurological difference. Dyslexia individuals rely more heavily on the However, before the written word was
isn't a modern issue that arose right hemisphere, which is often commonplace, these challenges
with the invention of reading; it’s linked to creative problem-solving manifested differently. In a world
a fundamental variation in how and spatial reasoning, while typical where oral communication was key,
the brain processes language—a readers use the left hemisphere for those with dyslexia might have found
variation that’s been part of human processing phonemes (the sounds it harder to remember long sequences
history for as long as we’ve been that make up words). This difference of spoken information or to follow
communicating. in brain activity explains why people intricate verbal instructions, but their
with dyslexia often excel in areas strengths in areas like visual-spatial
The neuroscience behind dyslexia such as design, engineering, and the reasoning and out-of-the-box thinking
Research shows that dyslexia is not arts—fields where visual thinking and would have been invaluable to their
about intelligence or effort. Studies creativity are paramount. communities.
using functional MRI scans reveal
that people with dyslexia process Dyslexia: more than just reading The prehistoric dyslexic
We tend to associate dyslexia In a time long before reading and
primarily with reading and writing writing were part of human life,
difficulties, but that’s just one part people with dyslexia likely faced
of the story. Research suggests that different challenges. Research into the
dyslexia affects up to 10% of the evolutionary aspect of dyslexia, such as
global population, with symptoms work by Dr. Thomas G. West, author of
presenting in various ways beyond In the Mind’s Eye, posits that individuals
with dyslexia contributed significantly
By Nicola Killops - Originally published on the to society in areas where their unique
Neuroparenting Newsroom brain wiring provided an advantage.

40 | EngineerIT August/September 2025