The two most common forms of learning disabilities are dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dyslexia affects about 1 in 10 people, and (ADHD) appears in about 50 percent to 70 percent of school-aged children with a learning disability.
However disheartening learning difficulties are, we can’t let them be more than an obstacle in a life full of joy and accomplishments. Before children count themselves out of the running for success it’s helpful to know that Hollywood, businesses, and professional sports arenas are filled with people just like them, who overcome their learning disability every day to become a leader in their field.
Here’s to our future leader; may they always be defined by their successes, and their successes only!
These are a few of many famous people who live with a learning disability:
Keanu Reeves
This international movie superstar and entrepreneur credits acting for helping him cope with dyslexia. And despite his problems with reading he developed a deep love of Shakespeare.
Justin Timberlake
While he is wowing audiences with his musical talents, he is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder and ADHD. He has spoken in several interviews about not letting his obsessive behaviours take over his life—which can be difficult in the high pressure world of entertainment.
Tommy Hilfiger
This world-famous designer has dyslexia but it doesn’t stop him from designing one of the world’s most popular clothing lines. He says the condition helped him see things differently and design his unique style.
Salma Hayek
This internationally known Mexican actress says dyslexia is “part of her identity.” She says having to “figure out” things on her own has made her a stronger person.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe hasn’t let dyspraxia, the developmental coordination disorder, stop him from flying around on broomsticks and becoming one of the most successful young actors in history.
Despite suffering at school and finding it extremely hard to complete simple activities like tying his own shoelaces, Daniel has not let the condition get in his way.
Jeremy Sicile-Kira
Jeremy Sicile-Kira is a nonverbal Autistic artist with synesthesia. Jeremy paints with the colours of emotions and colour plays a major role in everything he does. Due to Synesthesia, he sees people’s emotions translated into colour, and also feels them. For instance, when somebody laughs, he sees blue, and when they are angry, he sees red.
Cher
It wasn’t until her son Chaz was diagnosed with dyslexia that Cher realised she may have the condition as well. Testing revealed she is not only dyslexic but dyscalculic as well. Looking back she now says she wouldn’t want to not have dyslexia. She says it’s part of who she is.
Danay Bouzala, Director of Drama
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