Over the past two decades, there’s been a remarkable shift in our understanding of how the brain works. And it turns out that some of what scholars once considered to be deficits in people can actually be strengths. In this article, we’ll take dyslexia, for example. It’s a neurological disorder that affects reading skills and causes people to see letters and words in an unusual way. But that’s not all it does. Dyslexia also gives rise to some surprising strengths, like the ability to think creatively and see the world in a different way. In fact, many of the world’s most successful people are dyslexic. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages that come with this condition.

Dyslexics tend to be visual thinkers.

According to a recent research published in National Library of Medicine, dyslexics are visual thinkers. This means that they think in pictures more than words. As a result, they may excel in fields that require visual-spatial skills, such as art, design, and architecture. In fact, many of the world’s most celebrated artists and designers are dyslexic, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Leonardo da Vinci (scientifically speculated). Visual thinking is not a common trait for everybody, so it’s likely that dyslexics have a competitive advantage in fields that require this skill.

Dyslexics are often good at problem-solving.

Ask any parent of a dyslexic child and they’ll tell you that their little one is always asking “why?” Why is the sky blue? Why do we have to go to school? Why can’t I just eat dessert for dinner? This incessant questioning can be frustrating, but it also indicates that dyslexics are good at solving problems. After all, to solve a problem, you first have to identify it. And dyslexics are often very good at spotting problems that others might miss. This skill is valuable in fields like business, where the ability to quickly identify and solve problems can mean the difference between success and failure.

Dyslexics often have a strong sense of intuition.

Yes, dyslexics may have trouble with reading and writing, but they often make up for it with a strong sense of intuition. Intuition is hard to define, but we all know what it feels like. It’s that “gut feeling” we get when we just know something, even though we can’t explain how or why. According to a recent study, dyslexics are more likely to trust their intuition than non-dyslexics. This means that they’re often quick to act on their hunches, which can be a valuable asset in fields like investing, where timing is everything.

Dyslexics are often very determined and resilient people.

Anyone who has struggled with dyslexia will tell you that it’s not easy. But the good news is that all of that struggle often results in a very strong work ethic. Dyslexics are often very determined and resilient people, which is why they tend to be successful in any field they put their mind to. After all, if you can overcome the challenges of dyslexia, you can pretty much achieve anything.

So there you have it: four surprising strengths that come with dyslexia. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, remember that it’s not all bad. In fact, dyslexia comes with a lot of hidden advantages. Embrace them and use them to your advantage. They just might be the key to your success.