Research on Extraordinarily Successful Adultswith Dyslexia and Learning DisabilitiesPaul GerberProfessor of Special Education and DisabilityPolicy, Virginia Commonwealth University Schoolof Educationpjgerber@vcu.eduThe purpose of this study was to presenta thematic view of the thoughts, feelings,and personal philosophies of extraordinarilysuccessful individuals who have “made it despitethe odds”. The rationale is straight forward.By considering the trials and tribulations ofthese individuals there are implications forprofessional practice, transition preparationand overall adjustment for the beyondschool years. A select group of 12 individualswith dyslexia and learning disabilities werestudied via an interview protocol whose itemswere constructed based on prior research.The participants were scientists, engineers,entrepreneurs, writers to name some.The interviews were analyzed using qualitativeanalysis and yielded a number of importantthemes. Among the many themes were findingone’s niche, overcoming challenges, dyslexiaas a gift, and problem solving as a way of life.One overriding theme was “not too tidy a tale”where dyslexia was found not to be a “one sizefits all” phenomenon, but a series of complexchallenges, necessitating a variety of approachesto foster success.
