Three Perspectives Examining the Resiliency of Individuals with Dyslexia

Reading is a challenging task to master especially for individuals with reading disabilities such as dyslexia. Early identification, proper intervention, and positive support from parents and teachers can assist individuals with dyslexia to overcome their reading disability. Individuals with dyslexia that overcome their reading difficulties can go on to pursue higher education and have a career and thus become resilient. Resiliency has been researched regarding individuals with special needs, but there is little research that investigates resiliency in individuals with dyslexia. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine three distinct perspectives concerning resiliency characteristics of adults with dyslexia and to understand how these characteristics of resilience assisted individuals with dyslexia overcoming their reading disability. The three perspectives include adults with dyslexia, parents of adult children diagnosed with dyslexia, and licensed dyslexia therapists. This phenomenological qualitative study included a total of 18 participants among the three participant groups. Interviews were conducted with all three participant groups and the data was included in this study. Results demonstrated some similarities between previous studies on resiliency characteristics. Upon completion of the study, recommendations were made regarding fostering resiliency in individuals with dyslexia.