George Clooney is dyslexic?

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Local school promotes dyslexia awareness in October

Oct 03, 2012

Baltimore school promotes dyslexia awareness

One in 10 people have symptoms of dyslexia, which means they struggle with written and spoken language and it can show up in many different ways, including spelling.

In October, there is an increased effort to educate the general public about dyslexia. People like Jay Leno, Will Smith and George Clooney are dyslexic.

The International Dyslexia Association is based in Baltimore. During dyslexia awareness month, one of the nation's top schools for children with learning challenges, Jemicy Upper School in Baltimore County, is doing its part to get the word out, especially to parents.

"When I first got here, I wasn't really good at reading and writing, but I really excelled in math," student Noah Coates said.

Jemicy said its mission is to educate talented and bright students struggling with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences.

"I'm amazing at it. I can do paragraphs, I can write papers. I love to read. Right now, I'm on the 'Hunger Games' series and I can't put down the book," Coates said.

To the head of the school, Ben Shifrin, the progress is no surprise. "These are students who really get the big picture. Comprehension is not an issue. In fact, they tend to be gifted in comprehension and understanding the world. They just struggle with the mechanics of language," Shifrin said.

"The teachers help you, and we use smart boards, and it's hands-on. They really care. They care that you do well," student Helen Chiamulera said.

The international association is trying to help spread the word to even more parents about the warning signs, including Laura Karney, whose son had been showing signs of dyslexia.

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“When George was 8 years old, he was diagnosed with dyslexia,” his mother said. “It wasn’t debilitating. I had it, too, as a child. It was something you grew out of, and he did.”

Like most bright dyslexics, she said, he learned to compensate. “George got through school by charming his teachers,” she said.

Katiedot wrote:I'd read that quote from Nina before although now seeing that it's come from the Enquirer I have my doubts.

When I googled it, I found George was on many 'famous dyslexic' lists although I don't know if they've all based it on that one quote or if there's other information to support it.

MM wrote:Maybe when George was diagnosed with dyslexia, he could have been ADD or ADHD. Years ago, children who had learning disabilities were often grouped together as dyslexic, when the actual problem was ADD or ADHD. ADD/ADHD was not recognized until the late 1980's.

MM wrote:The Enquirer that you are quoting is actually The Cincinnati Enquirer, a highly respected Cincinnati city newspaper, not The National Enquirer, a popular tabloid.

Hope this helps.