Dyslexia isn't a disorder, it's part of our species' cultural evolution, say researchers - BBC Science Focus Magazine

People with dyslexia have brains that are specialised to explore the unknown, and this strength has contributed to the success and survival of our species.

This is evidenced by studies in cognition, behaviour and the brain that show that people with dyslexia are specialised to explore the unknown and think in terms of the bigger picture.

"In many other fields of research it is understood that adaptive systems – be they organisations, the brain or a beehive – need to achieve a balance between the extent to which they explore and exploit in order to adapt and survive," said Taylor, who studies cognition and human evolution.

Studies have shown that people with dyslexia are less efficient at procedural learning than non-dyslexic people, said Taylor, and this has positives and negatives for both groups.

But instead of being a deficit, the distinction between dyslexic and non-dyslexic brains should be framed simply as a difference, said Taylor.

In reframing dyslexia as a difference, rather than a disorder, society as a collective can benefit from more innovative solutions, said Taylor.

The current focus on reading and writing creates a barrier to people with dyslexia, Taylor said.