Personal Blogs

E801: Action 3.4: Labelling Neurodiversity

Reid, G. (2009) Dyslexia: a Practitioners Handbook. Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell. Chapter 17

Pollack, D. (2009) 'The Self Concept and Dyslexia', in Soler, J., Fletcher-Campbell, F. & Reid, G. Understanding Difficulties in Literacy Development. London, Sage.

Points in favour of labels:

• To protect from anxiety by identifying with a group (Pollack, p.204)
• To protect self esteem by giving self and others 'a reason' (Pollack, p.205)
• To relieve a teacher's self-esteem issues (Pollack, p.206)
• Route out of 'self-blame' (Pollack, p.209)
• To obtain assistance and equipment (Reid, p.273)

Points against labels:

• Student can be written off (Pollack, p.206)
• Reduce feelings of control (Pollack, p.209)
• Locates problem within child and detracts from policies/organisations (Pollack, p.209)
• Use as a crutch (Pollack, p.210); blame everything on dyslexia; become egocentric and demand rights (Pollack, p.211)
• Feeling of abnormality (Pollack, p. 210)
• Disclosure of label in employment/some courses (teacher training) can be negative (Reid, p.277)
• Special arrangements can lead to feelings of obligation (Reid, p.279)