He now thinks of dyslexics as especially creative, talented people. So after I had the conversation with the tester today, and told him that he did indeed have dyslexia, he actually pumped his fist and shouted, "yes!"
Love it.
I find that we walk this line regarding our DS's autism. On one hand, we have made him aware of all the voices that call autism a difference instead of a disability; he embraces this idea. On the other hand, very often the autism is truly in his way, and then it's a disability. We talk about how it can be both, and how if he works on it, the disability parts may fade, leaving him with something that's mostly just a difference. That is what we're aiming for, and how we frame it. DS is 11, so we can get that detailed.
Anyhow: yes, better to know the pros and cons than to think of oneself as damaged goods! Because it's not damage; it's how one is made, and it's fine that way, even if it brings challenges.
DeeDee
