Overcoming dyslexia with MindGenius

The latest white paper from Gael Ltd., the developers of MindGenius, describes how mind mapping software can help dyslexics to organize their thoughts and access them in powerful new ways. Christina Sellers knows what she writes of, because she is dyslexic. Here’s a summary of how visual mapping benefits her and other dyslexics:

"Many widely accepted characteristics of dyslexia can be helped by the use of mind-mapping software, for example: poor memory; things taking longer to understand and produce; misinterpretation or misunderstanding of a topic; working out exactly what’s required from any task; and, of particular value, help with focusing, planning and organization. Many dyslexics experience low self esteem as a result of these obstacles, however, they often compensate by being particularly good with computers, therefore, having such a helpful tool can allow their creative talents to come to the fore and their thought processes to flow.

For those unaware, or unconvinced, of mind-mapping benefits, probably the most useful advantage is the ability to divide topics into clear manageable chunks making problem solving, comparison and analysis more accessible to dyslexic learners. This helps greatly with explanation, exploration and understanding of concepts… reinforcing learning and providing memory triggers to aid recall. Mind-maps are not dense with words; useful to those for whom reading is more challenging; and their graphic and colorful format is particularly good for visual learners."

Interestingly enough, the challenges that Chris describes are shared by many non-dyslexic users of mind mapping software: the ability to clarify your train of thought and make sense of what she calls the "spaghetti bowl" of ideas floating around in your head. Chris now practices what she preaches – she teaches staff and students at West Kent College in the UK on how to use MindGenius.

This is a brief but fascinating case history, and really does a great job of capsulizing many of the benefits of visual mapping using software like MindGenius.