Why dyslexia is a gift of creativity
And how Davis Methods enhance it
The Davis Method teaches much more than reading by unlocking creative potential.
Traditional approaches to dyslexia focus solely on “fixing” reading difficulties, which often suppresses creative gifts that come with visual-spatial thinking. The Davis Method takes a fundamentally different approach by recognizing and enhancing these natural talents.
Dyslexia as identity, not deficit
As Davis Presenter and Facilitator, Axel Gudmundsson eloquently puts it: “Dyslexia is often seen as an illness; a nuisance at the very least, which, when resolved or healed, will make us like normal people.” This deficit approach does not acknowledge dyslexia as a part of someone’s essence and their innate creativity. This approach sees dyslexia through the narrow focus of solely being a reading challenge, but at Davis, we know dyslexia is far more than that.
A nine-year-old boy captured this truth perfectly after completing a reading program when he asked his Davis Facilitator with great concern: “If I stop being dyslexic, I’ll stop being me! I love being dyslexic now!”
The creative mind of visual thinkers
What makes dyslexic thinking so creatively powerful?
Dyslexic individuals:
- Think primarily in images rather than words
- Process information holistically rather than sequentially
- Aren’t mentally confined by the linear constraints of language
- Notice patterns and connections others miss
- Often have higher-than-normal intelligence
- Can problem-solve, invent, create and escape using their vivid imagination
This unique thinking style gives rise to remarkable gifts:
- Three-dimensional visualization abilities
- Innovative problem-solving approaches
- Intuitive understanding of complex systems
- The ability to see what others cannot
How the Davis Method enhances creativity
Unlike traditional interventions that try to rewire dyslexic thinking into a more “conventional” pattern, the Davis Method embraces the natural dyslexic thinking style and works with natural strengths:
- Clay modelling harnesses visual-spatial abilities to create concrete understanding
- Orientation techniques teach focus without suppressing creative thinking
- Meaning-based learning works with the dyslexic need for authentic understanding
- Symbol mastery builds reading comprehension through hands-on, creative expression of abstract words that typically cause gaps in understanding
When dyslexic individuals master reading and writing through methods that respect their unique thinking style, frustration eases and learning can be achieved. The Davis Method provides a bridge to the world of words while maintaining their creative edge. Through this approach, clients gain the ability to switch between creative, picture thinking mode or sequential, symbol-oriented mode for reading.
Success without sacrifice
James, a boy with both autism and dyslexia, experienced remarkable growth through the Davis Method. Not only did he gain reading skills, but his creativity and self-expression flourished. After avoiding writing for years, his mother was ecstatic to receive his independently written heartfelt letter, a skill that traditional methods had been unable to foster. Read his story here.
The Davis Method allows dyslexic thinkers to access the world of text without sacrificing the creative brilliance that makes them who they are.
Facilitators around the world are available to help! Contact a provider near you today!
Would you like to be the person helping dyslexic readers discover their true, creative self while improving their reading and writing ability? Join us for the Davis Gift of Dyslexia Workshop (June 9-13, 2025 or July 14-18, 2025 ) to discover how to nurture both literacy AND creativity in dyslexic learners. This workshop is the first step in becoming a Licensed Davis Dyslexia Facilitator.
This workshop is open to all adults interested in better supporting Dyslexic thinkers. It is especially recommended for parents, tutors, teachers, professionals and heart-centered entreprenuers as well as individuals interested in pursuing licensure as a Davis Facilitator.
Join our Davis Method Support group, where we provide support and information for parents, teachers, and neurodivergent individuals who are using Davis methods or who want to learn more about our approach.
The Davis Methods are strength-based, empowering programs that are available worldwide and in more that 30 languages. We help transform the learning and lives of those struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, executive functioning, and other related diagnoses by by providing the personalized support they need to understand what’s holding them back – and how to break through those barriers.