We are worthy, and deserving.
No one else holds our magic. We do. It is in us.

We all have special talents that are magnificent. For some, this incredible talent is untapped, hidden, and waiting to make its debut. Sometimes it’s far easier to see our weaknesses than it is to see our strengths.

Often, what we perceive as weakness paves the way to some powerful strengths and contributions to the world. How do we turn our own negatives into positives? Or how can you help others recognize their own gifts?

Find the keys to success

Based on their study results, Marshall H. Raskind and Roberta J. Goldberg (2005) wrote a guide for parents of children with learning differences. Their results found that teaching students how to be their own advocates is key to their success.

Raskind and Goldberg found that success for students with learning differences includes these qualities:

• proactivity
• perseverance
• goal-setting
• the presence and use of effective support systems
• emotional coping strategies

Their findings recognized that successful people with learning disabilities are not only aware of the types of problems they have, but they are open and specific about their difficulties and understand how they affect their lives. A unique finding is that these individuals have the ability to compartmentalize their disability or see their learning difficulties as only one aspect of themselves: “Although they are well aware of their learning limitations, they are not overly defined by them.”

Discover your strengths: Learning disability benefits

What we may view as a hindrance and secret difference can actually be an untapped asset. For example, neurolearning experts Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide reveal the hidden benefits of having a dyslexic brain in their book, The Dyslexic Advantage. They describe new brain science that has shown that people with dyslexia have unique brain structure and organization. The brain differences responsible for complications with reading and writing also seem to be built with unique skills and special talents: the learning disability benefits.

Specifically, dyslexics often shine in professions that are supported by the part of the brain controlled by reasoning. For example:

• Architects and surgeons use mechanical skills.
• Artists and inventors use interconnected skills.
• Novelists and lawyers use narrative skills.
• Scientists and business pioneers rely on their dynamic skills.

The Eides’ research also supports previous beliefs that the right brain dominant learner is creative and active, seeing the whole picture first, and then breaking things down into bits and pieces. Music, emotions, color, and pictures are some of the keys to right brain learner’s success.

Find inspiration around you

One of the numerous examples of famous people overcoming learning differences is Pulitzer-Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford. He states that he did not read for pleasure until he was nineteen years old. He made it through school reading the minimum. However, he believes that because he was a slow reader, he came to notice and appreciate all of the qualities of language. He discovered the poetry of language in the sounds and visual images of words, as well as how sentences and paragraphs break. This awareness inspired the birth of his novel writing.

Even more inspiring are the success and strengths of those we know intimately — our family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors. We asked Verticy families to share some of the incredible gifts their children possess:

“My 13-year-old daughter is incredibly strong-willed and insightful. I just read that ‘it is not difficult for them to think outside of the box because they have never thought inside the box.’ ” - Lila H.

“My daughter is deeply empathetic and is also innovative and creative.” - Jane C.

“My child is a very talented artist. He won best in show for his age group in a big county fair. I had read once that dyslexics are very visual and I’ve found that true for him.” - Jenn H.

As we set goals and build effective support systems, we need not look far to find examples of each individual’s magic all around us.

What gifts and strengths does YOUR child possess?