Entrepreneurs, Architects and Artists: Why People with Dyslexia May Be Attracted to Certain Professions | UK News

New research could explain why people with dyslexia are attracted to certain professions – including art, engineering and entrepreneurship.

The University of Cambridge says dyslexics are better at exploring the unknown – and have “enhanced skills” when it comes to discovery, invention and creativity.

Celebrities who suffer from it dyslexia include Cher, Keira Knightley and Richard Branson – as well as legendary personalities such as Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.

The study’s backers say the world needs to change its perspective and stop treating dyslexia as a neurological disorder.

It is estimated that up to 20% of the population suffers from dyslexia – and the aim of the study was to better understand their cognitive strengths.

The lead author Dr. Helen Taylor said that “the deficit-centered view of dyslexia doesn’t tell the whole story” because people with the condition “play an essential role in human adjustment.”

Many people with dyslexia thrive on exploratory learning – and “searching for the unknown” through experimentation, discovery and innovation.

This is in contrast to exploitative learning, which focuses on what is already known – with tasks like reading and writing that can present difficulties for someone with dyslexia.

“Schools, academic institutes and workplaces are not designed to make the most of exploratory learning. But we urgently need to start fostering this mindset so that humanity can continue to adapt and solve important challenges,” said Dr. Taylor.

She added, “It could also explain why people with dyslexia seem to be interested in certain careers that require exploration-related skills, such as art, architecture, engineering, and entrepreneurship.”

40 years ago, American neurologist Norman Geschwind noted that a growing body of research suggests that people with dyslexia often have “superior talents in certain non-verbal skills.”

Academics argue that different but complementary ways of thinking enhance our ability to adapt through collaboration.

The new paper was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.