When You Simply Want the Best that Orlando
Has to Offer Nov. 4, 2009

Defeating Dyslexia

On my way into work today and I heard a news report where Hollywood actor,
Tom Cruise, revealed that the teachings of the Church of Scientology helped
him beat dyslexia. Cruise said at the age of seven he was diagnosed as
having this language-based learning disability that can include problems in
reading, spelling, writing and pronouncing words. He said, “Nobody gave me
a solution and I wanted to know why the system had failed. Finally, as an
adult I learned to read perfectly through the method of [Scientology's late
founder] L. Ron Hubbard.”

In the United States, researchers estimate the prevalence of dyslexia to
range from three to ten percent of school-aged children, and are more common
in boys though some have put the figure as high as 17 percent.

I think this is fantastic that yet another person has overcome this
sometimes debilitating disorder and I should know since I was diagnosed with
it in the early 80′s. I wish it had been sooner. I had all the classics
symptoms; poor spelling, placing decimal points in the wrong place and
making basic number switch mistakes. It was difficult for me to read, I
would become bored, had headaches, my level of comprehension was extremely
low and the words were blurry and hard to read. I could easily look at a
magazine article and lose focus.

But I, like Tom Cruise, did learn to read perfectly, and even better. I now
read at an average rate with 100% comprehension level. Best of all I didn’t
have to follow the teachings of Scientology to do it. Great for Tom but it’s
probably not for everyone. Let me share my story on dyslexia in the hope
that it will help someone else.

I certainly struggled through school and had all the classic symptoms. In
fact, I had made it through to my late teen years before ever really reading
a book from front to back. I told my uncle my story and he smiled. He began
to tell me about The Irlen Method.

The Irlen Method is the only research-based color method backed by over
4,000 school districts. Used by educators since 1983, this patented method
and color-based technology was discovered by Helen Irlen, MA, LMFT, the
nation’s leading expert in perceptually-based reading and learning
difficulties.

The Irlen Method is a non-invasive, patented technology that uses colored
overlays and filters to improve the brain’s ability to process visual
information. It is the only method scientifically proven to successfully
correct the processing problems associated with Irlen Syndrome.

My uncle then told me that both my cousins were tested and had started using
their color lens. He offered to pay for me to go for the tests. It was a
little harder back then because I had to travel to get tested but it was
definitely worth it. The testing was very easy and it worked. To my
amazement, I ended up with a pair of glasses with a red lens, no
prescription. I remember reading several books shortly after getting my
glasses, including Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy, a 700 plus page
book, and I was so excited. It was certainly the biggest book I had ever
read cover to cover and all because of the research from Helen L. Irlen -
thanks Helen.

If you would like to learn more or get tested then visit her site at
http://irlen.com

. Today they make it much easier for testing; it’s
inexpensive but it’s priceless. Okay enough with that I am not selling her
services I don’t need to they sell themselves.

Here is another example. The other day I was at lunch with a friend of more
than 15 years. We were working on a project and he was telling me how bad
his eyes were killing him and that he had a headache. We started talking and
I told him about the Irlen Method, I gave him my Irlen Filters which had a
color tint, and told him to look at his computer screen he was amazed like
it was the first time. He called Irlen to test him and his younger son. He
is now a believer for sure.

Recent studies indicate that dyslexia is particularly prevalent among small
business owners, affecting roughly 20 to 35 percent of U. S. and British
entrepreneurs. Researchers theorize that many dyslexic entrepreneurs attain
success by delegating responsibilities and excelling at verbal
communication.

Other world renowned celebrities who suffered from dyslexia are Richard
Branson (entrepreneur ), John Chambers (CEO of Cisco), Keira Knightley
(actress), Jay Leno (talk show host and comedian ), Guy Ritchie (film
director), Orlando Bloom (actor), and many more.

Pay it forward -

All my best,

James Dicks

For more than a decade, James Dicks has been one of the nation’s leading
educators on the subject of Real Estate, Stocks, Options, the Foreign
Exchange Market and empowering investors to handle their own investments.
James is living his dream by helping investors and businesses overcome the
hurdles of reaching their financial goals. Millions of people have heard
James? message of diversification, money management and financial freedom
and thousands have attended one of his many free workshops. Increasing
investment knowledge is James’ goal and he strives to reach this goal by
using a common sense approach that investors of all types can utilize on
their road to financial freedom.

Colorful wishes,

Helen

Helen L. Irlen, MA, LMFT
Executive Director Irlen Institute International HQ
PPS Credentialed School Psychologist
Educational Therapist
Adult Learning Disability Specialist
Board Certified Professional Counselor
Licensed Therapist
<http://www.irlen.com

> www.irlen.com

Reading by the Colors: A Piece of the Puzzle