The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...  and How They Can Learn
Levinson's use of patient testimonials and case studies to describe his breakthroughs in the treatment of dyslexia makes for a medical text that reads like a novel. He traces both his research on the connection between dyslexia and the inner ear and cerebellum and also the scientific community's skepticism regarding his claims. Formerly a professor at New York University Medical School and currently director of the Medical Dyslexic Treatment Center, Levinson acknowledges criticism and errors and, overall, offers a balanced view of his methods. In the process, he reveals the unfortunate increase in the politics of scientific research. Levinson's book is recommended as a source for the most current research, an account of the patients' plight, and an expose of the scientific debate. Davis, on the other hand, emphasizes child development, psychology, and education rather than medical treatment. As a dyslexic individual and a teacher, he offers a unique perspective on the subject of learning disabilities. Through his own real-life experiences he shares what everyone needs to know about dyslexia, what the dyslexic student encounters in a typical school, and what is needed to teach such students effectively. To support his conclusion that dyslexics have special talents of perception, imagination, and intuition, Davis cites talented and brilliant figures from Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci to Churchill and Walt Disney. He concludes with a test, written in simple language and printed in a large typeface to make it easier to read. Given Levinson's medical focus, his text is recommended for academic and larger public libraries, while Davis's book is appropriate for all types of libraries.Samuel T. Huang, Northern Illinois Univ. Libs., DeKalbCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.