My business partner, and one of my dearest friends in the world, has dyslexia. I don’t think about it much (which is a testament to how well she copes). In fact, it’s taken 6 months of blogging for me even to consider it as a potential topic!!! We’ve operated a marketing consulting firm together for more than 6 years, and the impact dyslexia has made on that business is miniscule. The impact it’s made on Christa’s life though, is far from miniscule. She graciously allowed me to interview her about her disability…and about her life.

But first, what is dyslexia?

Dyslexia, as defined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

IDA reports that dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties. It equally affects boys and girls. It is neurological and has a genetic component.

So, here’s what Christa had to say:

Q: How did you/your parents discover you had dyslexia?

A: It was only diagnosed after my mom (a special education teacher) took classes for her doctorate. I was in 9th grade, if I recall. Until that time, I had struggled along through elementary and middle school. I was teased a ton for not being able to read aloud fast enough.

Q: How exactly was it diagnosed?

A: I don’t remember ever being tested for it until I was in college. I know my mom knew, or at least suspected, after her training when I was in high school. We always spoke of it. My younger brother was formally diagnosed while he was in junior high.

Q: So what is it like; exactly what happens?

A: I have the most trouble reading. I transpose things. It affects my writing as well. Transposing numbers is a big problem. Banks and bill collectors find it less than humorous. Paying bills is always a task because I write the wrong amounts on checks. I spend a lot of time doing this and rechecking things to be sure I’m right.

To be continued...