No, dyslexia does not affect intelligence (IQ); it's a neurological difference in language processing, not a reflection of cognitive ability, meaning people with dyslexia have average to high IQs, often excelling in creative and problem-solving areas, though reading and spelling remain challenging. Dyslexia impacts reading and writing skills but is separate from overall intellectual capacity, with many gifted individuals being dyslexic, like Albert Einstein or Richard Branson, showing intelligence and disability are not linked.
Dyslexia Has No Link to Intelligence
In fact, many students with dyslexia have average to above-average IQs. They are often curious, insightful, and deeply engaged with learning, especially when it comes to rich stories, interesting topics, or verbal conversations. But dyslexia isn't about intelligence.
In reality, dyslexia has absolutely no impact on intelligence, and dyslexics are as likely to have ideas as good as anyone else's (indeed, their capabilities to think outside the box may even mean that they have more ideas).
Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills. It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently.
Twice exceptional or 2e is a term used to describe students who are both intellectually gifted (as determined by an accepted standardized assessment) and learning disabled, which includes students with dyslexia.
These creative processing skills allow dyslexics to see the bigger picture, and visualise new solutions. This skill is really valuable to employees, in fact, 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic. They are deliberately hired because of their excellent critical thinking skills and spatial awareness.
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world didn't let his dyslexia hold him back.
Lower childhood IQ was associated with increased risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorder, adult depression, and adult anxiety.
However dyslexic people have to work harder than others to overcome daily challenges. Our brains work harder when they already have reduced processing ability and this can leave us physically and mentally exhausted.
Interconnected reasoning, or I-strengths, is another common dyslexic strength that aligns perfectly with science. Dyslexic thinkers are adept at noticing relationships and drawing analogies, skills that are invaluable in understanding the complex systems found in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Famous actors like Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom all have dyslexia. Pablo Picasso's teachers described him as “having difficulty differentiating the orientation of letters”.
Three dimensional thinking and making connections
Many people with dyslexia demonstrate better skills at manipulating 3D objects in their mind. Many of the world's top architects and fashion designers have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is not exclusive to any particular level of intelligence; it can affect individuals with average, above-average, and highly gifted intellect.
Kids and adults can be very smart and have trouble with spelling. Some people are fast thinkers but slow spellers. They may be full of ideas but only write down a few words because spelling takes so much time and energy.
Albert Einstein
Often at the top of the list of historical figures with dyslexia, Albert Einstein, known for his brilliant mind, also struggled with delayed speech, language difficulties, and putting thoughts on paper.
Strong Memory Skills:
Many people with dyslexia have excellent long-term memory, particularly when it comes to experiences and visual information.
Do you:
The biggest lesson I've learned is that being dyslexic is so much more than struggling with reading and writing. Being dyslexic means that you think and process information on the right side of your brain, instead of the left side, where neurotypical people think.
When they are tired their dyslexic 'symptoms' can be more pronounced as they don't have the energy to employ their usual coping strategies.
No, an IQ of 97 is not considered dumb; it falls within the average range (90-109), indicating typical cognitive abilities, and is very close to the theoretical average of 100, meaning you're more intelligent than about 42% of people and have normal intelligence, just slightly below the mean, but well within the typical range for most adults.
Lady Gaga's IQ is widely rumored to be around 166, placing her in the "exceptionally gifted" or genius category, though this is an estimation often cited in celebrity lists, not a officially verified number from a public test. This high estimate is supported by her early academic achievements, like attending a summer program for the top 1% of students, and her demonstrated creative and musical genius as a composer and performer, notes Us Weekly and Brainmanager.io.
Is Kim Kardashian's IQ really 190? No—it's a baseless rumor from unreliable sites. No verified score exists; estimates range 95–119 based on her education & career, but her actual IQ remains unknown.
Albert Einstein was dyslexic. Like many of the world's 7.5 million children with learning disabilities he was thought to be unintelligent by his teachers. Fortunately, his parents placed him in a special school where he was taught in accordance with his disability.
Actress Emma Watson has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specifically the hyperactive-impulsive type, and was diagnosed as a young child, taking medication like Ritalin to help with focus and organization during her Harry Potter years and beyond, becoming a role model for managing neurodiversity.
Did you know that 25-40% of CEOs are dyslexic? Neither did I until I started working with them. Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and Richard Branson are a few you might know of who were and are. And countless non-famous women CEOs you've never heard of (but that's a story for another time), as well.