They all have been diagnosed with dyslexia, a condition of neurodevelopment origin that mainly affects the ease with which a person reads, writes, and spells.
Oh, one other person who is dyslexic – Gavin Newsom. In a recent Oval Office rant against the California governor, Trump described Newsom as “dumb,” and “a low IQ-person” because of his dyslexia. “Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president,” Trump stated. “I don’t want… I think a president should not have learning disabilities, OK?”
Trump might be surprised to learn that several presidents may have had dyslexia or significant learning disabilities, although in their lifetimes, those diagnoses were rarely made. They include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and John F. Kennedy.
After dumping on Newsom, Trump made a gaff of his own, promoting his rival to the presidency. “I know it’s highly controversial to say such a horrible thing,” Trump said. “The president of the United States, Gavin Newscum, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia… ah… everything about him is dumb.”
Newsom was quick to react, thanking Donald for elevating him to the presidency. Then Newsom added: “To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you“ he wrote. ”Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength.”
What is it with Trump? Is he so insecure in his own intelligence that he has to constantly attack others by saying they have a low IQ? Here’s a list he’s insulted with that phrase: Maxine Waters, Jasmine Crockett, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Robert De Niro, Don Lemon, Mika Brzezinski, Kamala Harris, Rex Tillerson, Joe Biden, and Omarosa Manigault Newman.
All of these well known individuals can brush off Trump’s barbs. But what about a young person who is struggling with learning disorders, whether dyslexia, ADHD, or something else? Having the president call a child “dumb” can have lasting effects. No young person wants to be viewed as “different.” Students may resist being formally diagnosed so they can get the help they need. They may be bullied by other students. And they may fall behind simply because someone like Trump has identified them as not being smart.
I’m not a psychologist, but I think Trump is battling his own demons from being parented by a strict, even abusive father who probably called him “dumb” and told him he had a “low IQ.” But Trump now has a platform and what he says can have lasting effects.
Parents, teachers, and everyone who cares about the children and young adults in their lives need to counter these negative messages coming from the White House. Show these individuals the list of famous, successful, and, yes, highly intelligent, smart people who have been diagnosed with a learning issue and triumphed despite those barriers. A learning disability shouldn’t define a person and definitely shouldn’t hold anyone back, even from becoming president.
Top Bigstock photo by taniascamera
