Embracing Dyslexia: The Interviews - Susan Barton

Susan Barton is an internationally recognized dyslexia expert. She is also founder of Bright Solutions for Dyslexia (www.dys-add.com). In this video, Susan touches on several important topics such as: common myths, the disability label, classroom accommodations, private schools, and more.

[@AllenWeinstein]

Great information. I am living proof that dyslexia is not synonymous with failure. I am 80 years old and when I was in school dyslexia was unknown to the world. I was called stupid and told I was never going to succeed. From not being able to read until I was 13 years old to now being a self-made millionaire and author of my own book, everything is possible. Happy Holidays to all!

[@claudiawilliams-BEYOU]

Allen Weinstein that’s amazing , I am a start up business owner and I have found that I am dyslexic, it’s frustrating but I am determined to get help and become good at what I do

[@LinfordRecords]

Allen! thank you for your post! My twin brother and I are small busiess owners and just discovered we have dyslexia! My dad told us he’s struggled with it his entire life. We’re seeking answers that can help get out of second gear for 10 years and level up.

[@LisaGusimat]

You are such an inspiration!

[@anakerr5907]

I have dyslexia ,Wish I could hugs this lady .

[@nanishanelli985]

Lady! where have you been all of my life 😩🥺

[@chackachacka6990]

I kept my work so private I even tried to hide it from the teachers. I have the biggest scar from my grade two teacher keeping me in at recess because I was taking to long on my math test and her standing over me getting so frustrated that I am not getting it. Then saying in such a frustrated way why don't you get it. I still cry when I think of this.

[@suburbanme2783]

Same, I had “old school “ teachers in the late 70’s literally call me stupid because the could figure out how to teach me. I can’t remember a time in my life that I have ever felt so humiliated.

[@irishcladdagh3]

I am in tears watching this....the emotional scars never go away...I'm 51 and the school system in my day was the worst...i am a product of what was called falling through the cracks in school....shameful and traumatic

[@everythinggoes-mindyj4408]

Me to…

[@AuntyLousHouse]

me too.

[@christineblumke8493]

Went to school in the 70's Dyslexia was not a thing The school system failed me 😭

[@jeffmiller8044]

Wow! She totally understands. My parents always told me that dyslexia is something you grow out of well now I'm 52 and found out they lied. Here I thought I was just stupid all this time

[@chackachacka6990]

Wow I can relate to so much of this. Mum never really knew what I was going through at school because I spoke well and was capable at other things

[@delhi77k45]

So good to see this video :) I am a fashion designer and into technology space now . A dyslexia veteran 🥳

[@jamesmoore9511]

Allen W., I'm a just a few years younger than you but your experiences are just the same as mine, except for the millionaire bit. I was the younger brother of a very high achieving student (he now has his phd). I made it through grad school though. my parents had been told I'd probably make it only through high school. This video is one of the best, thank you so much.

[@annarounseville1392]

Your explanations of accommodations and the goal is The Clearest way I've ever heard it put. Thank you.

[@ZA-tz3ej]

That was beautiful! And I I what Susan Barton has said regarding Dyslexia as not a learning disability but a learning difference. If teachers were trained in understanding what Dyslexia is and provided the right educational provision i.e. Materials and resources and for children/young people there would not be less struggles for the individuals. For instant every child whether mainstream and with a learning difference have there individual learning styles, no child, young person or adult think and visualise information, contents the same. I also, totally agree on the differences services between public schools and private school. Parents and families should not be viewed based on funds/money but as the customer. My view is that we have such a flawed/broken education/school system. 😔

[@surpriseguys9768]

Hi my name is Allison I took your program with the letters and videos am 12 with dyslexia and speech problem I agree on everything u said.

[@directorgraspalliance495]

Thank you for detailing exactly what happens to a student with dyslexia when/if the professionals involved do not know the qualifying characteristics. You have continued to use your position to empower families across this country, we are thankful for your commitment! #TeamGRASP

[@gregorykline9775]

I’ve been using this program for almost three years its work also its give them confidence too.

[@jazznotes3802]

Absolutely awesome point: “what if we took peoples glasses away that have bad vision.” This point really hit home for me. My education took a massive hit due to the lack of teachers understanding dyslexia in the 80’s/90’s. I feel empowered by this information, and finally feel I no longer need to hide the fact that l’m dyslexic. This is the first I’ve told anyone this. (or typed this) Hopefully I can hold my head up high instead feeling shameful about my dyslexia. I never wanted to admit that I’m dyslexic and the shame of not being able to read and write has seriously effected my life. It’s time I change that! P.S This message took me a VERY long time to write, with plenty of corrections 😆

[@JeremyForest]

I know that I am super late on this, but this video was very informative. I applaud Ms. Susan Barton for discussing all the situations about dyslexia. One thing that I want to voice my concern is at footage 15:00, she is discussing about "private schools." What she stated that private schools can change faster. I absolutely disagree! I know that there are many public education schools that have teachers that can change a child with dyslexia through accommodations. Public schools can definitely see parents as customers.

[@rlinscorner4248]

so informative and if i may add, i love listening to her voice. 👏🏻

[@itsmejan9578]

I am about to cry she describe me so completely

[@house7071]

Thank you for your work on Dyslexia. You are spot on.

[@jeremythebearmorrissette9809]

It takes me a long time to read a clock. I can't remember my left and right I have bad hand writing . I. Have a hard time spelling stuff . Also suffer from low self of steam. I'm 25 " i diegnosed my self with dyslexia . I also went to a special ed school. Was terribel. In math and i can only remember . 5 10 2 3 Times tables i am not organized. But I work at ihop.as a prep cook dish washer and line cook. I play guitar .and bass harmonica drums. Key borad. I try my best . To get by

[@wnfrdwnstn]

Jermey is not too late for you to get help. I see you posted this 4 years ago. You can still get help.

[@marimarpalo]

Hello, I’m a teacher who has been working in public schools in the Usa and Spain for several years. Although I agree about what she argued about them. Also, I would like to say that public schools are full of poor students who struggle in their everyday lives and teachers who are overwhelmed trying to fight against the system and they end up burned out. How are we supposed to solve problems like dyslexia within these working conditions and less resources?? Have a look at how Finland fosters its public schools instead the private ones. We should learn from them. Thanks

[@ingridyuriani3720]

I love this interview and this lady.

[@happinessisgate]

Thank you so much, I which everyone out there understand the way you do. you are fantastic.

[@janebrowninnewyork]

This was wonderful thank you so much Susan. Loved this video.

[@BarbermanMalik]

Awesome video, very informative, precise and to the point!

[@satfire55555555]

I actually was diagnosed dyslexia very young I struggled a lot in my lifeI Carolyn she helps me I wanna be a chefs and encourage me Carolyn is my CHEFF

[@benjaminhansen379]

Nice video. It is good to note that as of October 2015 teachers and schools will be addressing dyslexia! Have a look at California Assembly Bill No. 1369 AND the United States Department of Education Dear Colleague letter by Michael K. Yudin October 23 2015 AND 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 275 (October 2015 is National Dyslexia Awareness Month).

[@maryspencer3142]

Beautiful, cogent summary, thank you!

[@ayneedels7749]

I’ve painfully struggled with Dyslexia since I was very young. I was able to speak to Susan on the phone several years ago after seeing a talk she gave. I was able to ask if there was any help for me. She seemed very annoyed and rude as she told me there is no help for an adult with Dyslexia. I wish there was a compentcy strength test for adults so we can find hope.

[@CliffordRainwater]

I had the life experience of being an ADHD child but I did not realize until very recently that my spelling and difficulties with knowing the vowles to use and say my inability to even grasp math as soon as you use the alphabet with it was not my ADHD but a secondary condition. I can read and understand what I read so I never understood where I stood in my disabilities as far as a label is concerned. I did end up working in a field where I could visualize in my head what I was doing in the irrigation field. I can check every box about my struggles that look like dyslexia but actually for me being able to read is the only thing I had left in school if I thought what I was reading was interesting otherwise forget it. I wonder what I could have done if I had gotten the help I needed as a child instead of my nose in the corner or tied to my chair or made to beat my knuckles on the desk. This is a long list of not good stuff. So I am going to look more deeply into the presentations here. Now I am going to fix my 15 spelling errors and sign off.

[@abey21294]

I love this woman :')

[@kimberlyu1308]

Abeydah Q have you bought and using her Program? I'm considering buying it

[@dianarojas4351]

I love every single word this woman is saying. Having dyslexia makes me feel like no one understands how you feel. It makes me feel like no one understands how long it takes me. How hard it can get to express my feelings.How hard it is to get school work done. She really doesn’t get it. I am in my freshman year of college. it feels like my dyslexia is getting worst. An high school they would tell me to read and it will get better. I feel like it’s getting worse because I don’t know this trick or the skill to know how to read the word. I truly believe that I need to learn the skills over again. I totally agree with what she said about the score system there has to be a better way to identify that a child needs the help. I feel like it’s my dyslexia was worked on more as a child. I wouldn’t be struggle as much as I do right now. I’ve been really thinking about quitting school because of how bad I feel it’s getting. And I wish teachers knew more about dyslexia because my one professors told me, “are you really that slow” Because I require two hours of extra time. I wish one day I can accomplish my dream motivate people and teach. But the education system needs to improve how they deal with kids that struggle.

[@zuzanavogelova4232]

Hi Diana, I´m Zuzana from Slovakia. I´m an English teacher and I´m a PhD student at university. My studying is hard for me but I study to be able to help all those dyslectic children. In my childhood I met nice teachers and with their support I´m able to cope with things. Diana, do not give up. You can be a teacher a leader, whatever you want, you can move the world, believe me. Lots of love to you and your family. Believe me, you can do it :)

[@dianarojas4351]

Zuzana Vogelová thank you so much for believing in me. 💗

[@zuzanavogelova4232]

Dear Diana, do not be afraid. You are not alone. You belong to exceptional people in the world. Your creativity and critical thinking can move the world. Just believe in yourself and go on. Trust me you will always find a good person to help you. We are not people with dyslexia. We are the people that think differently and see the world from different perspectives. Do not be afraid to be dyslectic. It is the adventure of living. You can write anytime you might feel misunderstood. I was crying this morning for not able to understand IT system of my university where I study PhD. and when I wrote that I´m dyslectic, one nice woman called me and helped me out. So I´m on my way to show that dyslexia and all dys is not a failure it is a gift of our lives.

[@priscillawalters2285]

Please don’t give up!! I am dyslexia as well, and just recently graduated college with an Associate degree in applied science. I also have physical limitations, so I had to be classified under the disabilities act, which gave me combinations like more time for all of my assignments. I always struggled all through school. I did not get to complete school, so I had to go back and get my GED, before I could go to college. It was very hard, but I did it and it’s very rewarding! I did it with my faith in God, and a made up mind and perseverance I never gave up! Now I am a substitute teacher I am almost 50 years of age, and I want to help all children of all ages from elementary to High School!! And I may possibly seek my bachelors. My passion is to help children with the learning difficulties, because I know and relate very well; and I want them to know they too can succeed and be successful because they can! And I am a wonderful example!! And now I know I will be definitely finding a course to learn more about dyslexia. Thank you for this wonderful video may God, bless you for all your help and information Susan Barton!!!

[@kimberlyu1308]

This was a great great video!!!

[@bbere279]

Thank you so much. You are amazing. Can't wait for my daughter who is dyslexic to watch your video.

[@afiakakpo776]

This got me in tears 💔

[@2ndpersondancing]

18:24 I've read something similar about *the real preparation for students' long-term success was not about perfect or rigid instruction but in providing stable assurance of being loved.* Thirty years later, those students had higher measures of happiness and success across career and relationships. To be a teacher in these times can seem downright impossible with the many pulls and pushes from so many sources that basically expect the perfect amalgam at every turn to deal with the intense variety of needs and variability of resources, including just being an imperfect human being. *Speaking from a U.S. perspective

[@MsEMVAZ]

Raising awareness is key, even in the field of education.

[@carlosangeles7487]

I love the way you think

[@ruthdagohoy7764]

i learn a lot from this video.

[@JosefMackiewicz88]

WOW! Thank you!

[@debbies9838]

Thank you!!!

[@eldonjanzen9822]

When I was going through elementary and high school, I worked very hard to mask my dyslexia so I didn't get tested because once labeled and placed in special education classes I knew that I would get so far behind in my academic studies that I would not accomplish the state requirements to enter the public college system. I understood this even in 7th grade!! I also knew that there as no intelligent reading program used in the school system of that time. (Now i know that "Reading Mastery" is a superior scriped direct instruction program and the solution to teaching reading but few teachers could teach it properly in the 1970s when the state of California kicked out direct instruction and replaced it with the unsuccessful wholistic learning approach that left millions of students illiterate!!)

[@stevegreenwood7837]

lm dyslexic ! and l can tell you this is excellent information 100% Thank you !!

[@champagnepapii7886]

9:00 put tears in my eyes

[@paulinepitcher8049]

Fascinating! Sound common sense on teaching children with dyslexia. All teachers should study dyslexia at college. Can't understand why they aren't taught this. No wonder children fail at school.

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

I like this woman.

[@1013AM]

Only truthful intelligent + wisdom people can see it.

[@antoniosolerfeliu4171]

The importance of support; I agree with that a 100%

[@nicolejoswiak9860]

School was hell as a child. The school officials, "She is too smart for help. She is in AP Biology as a 10th grader." My mom, "But, she has a 6th grade reading level and can't read the text book!"

[@bethanykennedy812]

I really like her glasses analogy.

[@juanitatorresfranco9628]

Omg, you make me cry, I just struggle tremendously at college while my teacher called out ( my disability ) according to her I shouldn't have to take math.

[@user-kn1yl7xk2u]

Yes, I was in gymnastics. Went all over the world. Oh you're explaining me to a t I love you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jehovahrastafai5135]

I think in every country in the world should have assisted technology for adult people with dyslexia help read and write mandatory. In school, All kind of libraries, courthouses, State House, government buildings, trade schools, organizations that help you find jobs, Banks, credit union colleges. I believe we got far in with helping dyslexia people but not enough for the adults that's dealing with it everyday.

[@jehovahrastafai5135]

I think every teacher should have to read The gift of dyslexia and dyslexia advantage. Along with taking a course on how to deal and help kids with dyslexia

[@FamousJett]

Thank you! This is my son's journey and I am still fighting for him.

[@eldonjanzen9822]

I, so many times, would be instructed by the principal or the superintendent telling mr that they wanted this kid (with LHand dyslexia) to copy information from the white board; my answer "he can't read" and to learn the history lesson from the textbook; my answer "he can't read (the text book); and do his homework assignments: my answer "he can't read (the homework assignment) . It was so frustrating!! I wanted that student or students for more hours for reading information and those (idiot) administrators refused flat that advice! I conceived that school administrators are not concerned for children education; they prioritize the education system under two categories; politics (the impression others think about the school) and money (keep kids in special education because that's were the big dollars are) politics and money that it. That explains school administrator behavior; that it. Very sad and real!

[@jeanineburtner9861]

NEVER depend on the government to HELP your children. This is not a surprise. Thank you Susan for helping children and their parents with knowledge. Teachers are usually NOT loving and understanding. Their education is lacking as you stated.

[@lorrainedettbarn9384]

I am 69 years old and the Wicked words used to describe me the one that stayed imbasil. I was a nurse great swimmer art is my forte. I have lived and still live with fear shame and tremendous embarrassment. I can't fill out my own paper work not because I can't fear of ridicule. When people love my art I am shocked. I lack self worth.

[@harrykrugerharrykruger1876]

this is good

[@nikolugo]

When I was in school in the 90s and 2000s I don't think that the teachers I had were never trained to work with kids that have dyslexia because back then they thought you were slow or lazy

[@mahendrakumarVV]

Great.

[@jehovahrastafai5135]

I think every teacher should have to read The gift of dyslexia and dyslexia advantage. Along with taking a course on how to deal and help kids with dyslexia

[@carmencerda4143]

I’m am currently struggling with my 12 year olds school to uphold his IEP for dyslexia. We need more help for parents to advocate for our children. But we the school system and administrative will run right over you and not provide a structured literacy program. Even though it’s in this IEP. It’s disheartening how are education. System is constantly failing our children.

[@user-kn1yl7xk2u]

Yeah, right? I caught a right. I fell so far behind. It was ridiculous it breaks my heart

[@mikeegolf9383]

i am dyslexic 62 now made a good life for my self retied at 52 ,, got my pilots lic this last summer,,, ,,, so i feel good about my self but i did not always ,, the dyslexia was not the problem the real damage was from the teacher in early years of school they steal your self worth and conference i got past that and was ok ,,, but i see show much more damage done by special schools for kids ,, all they do is take the parents money this is very sad ,

[@nickievigilante2757]

Wow! the school system did all the opposite things Susan said how to help! I was just passed along. I love her too. I have succeeded in life, but let me just say it took a long time!

[@gregorykline9775]

Last year I was diagnosed with Dyslexia at the age of 53 but. I knew there was something wrong with me.

[@wnfrdwnstn]

This is nothing "wrong" with you. You learn differently. We all learn differently.

[@stephenwaner6632]

Teachers need to learn about students with Perfect Mirror Vision as I know my form of dyslexia is a fact as I see all objects as if in a mirror , Of which the medical term is Strephosymbolia ( Meaning Twisted Symbols ) , As a low tech solution I use a mirror to read from the page of any book , If not I see the word bill as llid & pill as lliq , Currently modern medical science has no known cure for my range of vision , I must use a computer screen that is configured in the Mirror image and use speech to text software in order to communicate and post this comment . Greetings from Paschar ( my internet user name ) .

[@nikkolinn3203]

I am sad that she labeled me and my colleagues as "not caring", "not wanting parent involvement". Many of the qualities she named for private school are things public teachers WANT but are not allowed. Can we give ALL educators those abilities: training in dyslexia, flexibilities, the ability to change, be flexible and creative in the ways we teach. HELP us ALL teach in the ways you claim are best, rather than divide us.

[@susan7414]

I knew first year of school I failed and every day after that

[@eldonjanzen9822]

"No one aware of it...(dyslexia)???" I could not hide my poor reading and spelling from my friends!!!! Or especially the bullies. Hiding is not the answer!!! The solution was to recognize that difference are good not bad. That stems from cultural attitudes.

[@brendanshortt4103]

Amen🙏

[@JoyFay]

Please how does an adult get diagnosed?

[@user-ce7us7ly6g]

Why my 10 year old grandson is at Barton elementary in Baron Arkansas and can’t read but they been taught your program and they say none of the schools in Phillips County private schools included don’t help with dyslexia and Arkansas as of August 1 will pay for private school but they don’t support my grandson who’s in the 5th grade and can’t read

[@eldonjanzen9822]

I always hear "get them (dyslexics) back on track..." hmm how what method? What educational strategy different from the already failing system??

[@cheryllg9258]

I'm all of this. Then add people making fun of you and your dad screaming at you. Because you can't tell time you don't get it and the math, oh my God. I know, and a low self-esteem follows it. And yes, I am good at some things and I know it. But scars are the worst they never go. Thanks you've Hit all the points maybe somebody Listen

[@princessadora]

i don't think i'm dyslexic. i can read (my handwriting is childlike, disorganised and messy) but i do things backwards. someone says look left i'll look right (as a natural instinct) a word from the beginning of my sentence and end of sentence will get swapped around or the first letter of each of those words. and then i also smash 2 words together to make one non existent word?? there must be a condition there but i don't think its dyslexia. i really wanna find out what it is. :/

[@zuzanavogelova4232]

It can be dysgraphia.

[@marycoburn8962]

Everything your saying is my son who is 9 in fourth grade. I feel like your talking about my son and no one has said that he is dyslexic.

[@wnfrdwnstn]

Don't wait for them to tell you. Request an evaluation or get one done yourself.

[@marycoburn8962]

Both my sons have orthographic dyslexia and they both have dysgraphia as well. Both are 2E @@wnfrdwnstn

[@tylermoody6641]

Cool lady

[@shelleycurreen1182]

I had to wait until my daughter was 7 to get her diagnosed. I knew from the age of 4 but noone wants to know until the age of 7. So there is no professional help to be had before then.

[@user-kn1yl7xk2u]

Yes, ma'am exactly I am so embarrassed. And just I've never forbeen been able to do what I really wanted to do because I felt like I was not smart. Enough to be a c n a

[@xxlovexxwilliams9578]

I have dyslexia

[@jeanineburtner9861]

Our entire "education" system needs to be torn down and revamped.

[@user-kn1yl7xk2u]

Yay yes that's been the thing sense kindergarten oh my god

[@gloriamoreno5765]

I thin I have dyslexia and I think my 6 year old to

[@wnfrdwnstn]

It does run in the family. Request an evaluation at your child's school.

[@Jimmytwogunz]

being the only black child in school having this disorder life was not pleasant as a child.

[@keighanmingee2027]

i have dyslexia i an 8

[@user-kn1yl7xk2u]

😮❤😮😮😮omg

[@xxlovexxwilliams9578]

but I wish I did not and I could be normal

[@dremagnigganeto5243]

u r normal I have it to

[@daskaren2480]

Applications for employment, don’t come with accommodations

[@daveotterwell-lq5zg]

The brain is jumping around all over the place

[@boneappletea5890]

Why dose she only use male pronouns tho like women have dyslexia my mom has dyslexia so idk

[@bethanykennedy812]

Why are all these types of videos focused on children and only children? You don't grow out of dyslexia. Some of us didn't get help as children and we could still use it.

[@eldonjanzen9822]

Your not have dyslexic do you! Out of focus? No words are "out of focus" on the board!! No! It no a vision problem omg. I could clear up these nuerotypical radom access information learners misconceptions. There's not enough time or space to discuss this properly.

[@heatherlowe9240]

BUT WHAT ABOUT ADULTS WITH DYSLEXIA!!!!!! You don't grow out of it!!! And not every dyslexic can be an artist, athlete or actor!!!! And you are telling me dyslexic people got thier degrees in science or technology or architecture! Or whatever you just said(don't remember, sorry) ???? But whatever, I could NOT get through college. You're great, you help kids but what does an adult with dyslexia do????????????? I still STRUGGLE, IMMENSELY!!! I can't find ANYTHING about helping adults with dyslexia. I'm a single mom of 3 and can't get a better job to support myself and my kids. Oh, ok, you don't know, that's what I thought. I'll just work my but off and have no life as it's been for my entire adult life.

[@kedria89]

I understand what you are going through I'm experienced the same thing. I hope you finally got help.

[@eldonjanzen9822]

Typical video on dyslexia. Identify the problems but no strategies or techniques to deal with dyslexia.

[@jblackwell008]

As a dyslexic person, I find videos such as this "snake oil🎉." Here is "the long and the shot.😅😅😅😅😅" Use the technology at your disposal and if you can use the accommodation they must give you, do it. Lastly, when studying for a test come up with crazy, dirty, and funny things to remember. Your ability is visual. Think of it this way, they give people that learn an aviation map and they give us auto map. If all the work was visual they need accommodation. So f#ck'em. Here's real life example from the 3 grade. My vocabulary had the word "bountiful." I couldn remember for nothing. My dad told me, "Our neighbors has got some big ass titties. Now think of the word "bountiful" connected to some freshly glazed titti jizzed on.