Please Don't Call Me Dumb! Memoirs of Unique Cognitive Processing: Dyslexia, Sequencing, or What?
I know some of our brightest, most creative, and gifted people are often misdiagnosed and misclassified
with terms that revolve around behavioral and emotional challenges. Labels are generously used, such as
Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, and the list can go on and on. The uniqueness of each person finds ways to explain differences. Cognitive processing differences!
The labels don't stop. The experts point fingers and define a person: Learning Disabled! Dyslexia!
Asperger's! Gifted! Retarded! Autistic! And again the list can go on and on. Labels can be overwhelming
and sometimes ridiculous! The essential question I ask, “Why do we need to label?” Labeling can be
positive, but it is more often negative. It may even create an overwhelming false sense of identity. Are the
many associated behaviors defined as symptoms, syndromes, disorders, or what? Where on the continuum of severity do the behaviors fall? Dig deeply to find the causes and the effects! Explore the subjects that grab your interest: study, ponder, and continue to read. Connect the dots.
Can one identify the problem, design the intervention, and move on with or without a label? Can a label
be carried like an unwanted wart on the face or a blister on the heart? For me, learning about and
understanding an identifier called dyslexia brought massive relief that redirected my thinking to know why I had labeled my cognitive processing as a monster. I can now call it dyslexia. I am relieved. I found it is also a gift. As you find your gifts, you will be inspired and relieved.
Do we process information differently? Processing information in a different way can be an admirable
thing. I have a son who picked up this book and said, “If this book had only one sentence on each page, I would read it!” I missed my chance! That would result in reading about three hundred sentences. That's
commendable and comfortable! I should have taught my son that reading one sentence on each page was
acceptable and even could be outstanding. He would have then begun on the path of learning to learn!
When do we start to teach an individual how to learn, and whose responsibility is it?
How do we learn to learn? I was born with what some would label dyslexia including a deficit of not
being able to sequence. I didn't know what my brain was doing until I became a mature adult. As I
academically stumbled through kindergarten to high school, I concluded that the struggle was firmly in
place because I felt both dumb and smart. My 3rd grade teacher voiced that I would never graduate from
high school. Ouch! On the other hand, I have had experiences in my adult life, which when pieced
together, seemed to make it clear that I am not dumb; I might even be smart. Yes, smart! What a confusing and burdensome dilemma! Can you have it both ways: dumb and intelligent?
This book will open a door through which others who think they are dumb can pass. Such an
unanticipated passage can give them an understanding of their unique talents. These can be a platform
from which they can craft an ultimately successful approach to a challenging life. They will master the
essential skills of learning to learn by understanding the way their brains are wired to receive information.
Understanding the nature of cognitive processing is critical. Knowing how we think and what we can
do with that thinking is the beginning of the story. I heard words at an International Dyslexia Association meeting that described the process: acquisition, interpretation, organization, application, and recall of sensory input. Wow! Is there more? Cognitive processing is a collection of mental skills that are essential to our functioning. Intelligence forms the foundation.
The reason I wrote this book will be understood as we journey, day after day. Are there questions about
cognitive processing? Yes, perhaps someday, someone will say, “I understand now! Aha! I knew there was
an answer!” Keep looking! It will matter. I have contemplated what I know, what to do with what I know, and what I am not sure I know. I shout, “Heaven forgive me as I stumble.”
It would be well to write a book for the student audience, a different version for parents, another for
teachers, and one for everybody else. Therefore, my goal is to roll the essence of what is appropriate into
one book. As I look through my lenses, I desire that we will emerge with an understanding of how we
process information. I will share how accepting differences in processing is an essential key. I am
passionate about this subject. As we deepen our understanding, our empathy will increase, and we can
bring the message of Hope.
I know of cases where not understanding how the brain is processing information has led some, stepby-
step, to prison, to suicide, and others to murder. Hopelessness! My tears care, and I am grateful for you!
Preface
To
be a member of this intense and gifted tribe:
Awareness
of cognitive
uniqueness,
Admit
your uniqueness,
Celebrate
your uniqueness,
Share
your uniqueness,
Include
the gifts of others' uniqueness.
The unfolding of understanding cognitive processing has come from my involvement as a special
education teacher. The purpose of this book is to share what I have come to know. I feel that we are
working ourselves out of the “dark ages” of education. Let us continue the positive direction and change
the picture! The jargon in this book comes from the specialized language of the educational and medical
professions, which is unavoidable but understandable. Jargon can be helpful because it consists of unique
words either borrowed or created to help one understand and apply concepts to a particular field of study.
I am not an expert in any field; however, this book is an expression of my experiences. I have been
influenced by those who know much more about brain processing than I. Becoming aware of learning
challenges has taught me a lot about me. And others!
education teacher. The purpose of this book is to share what I have come to know. I feel that we are
working ourselves out of the “dark ages” of education. Let us continue the positive direction and change
the picture! The jargon in this book comes from the specialized language of the educational and medical
professions, which is unavoidable but understandable. Jargon can be helpful because it consists of unique
words either borrowed or created to help one understand and apply concepts to a particular field of study.
I am not an expert in any field; however, this book is an expression of my experiences. I have been
influenced by those who know much more about brain processing than I. Becoming aware of learning
challenges has taught me a lot about me. And others!
I know some of our brightest, most creative, and gifted people are often misdiagnosed and misclassified
with terms that revolve around behavioral and emotional challenges. Labels are generously used, such as
Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, and the list can go on and on. The uniqueness of each person finds ways to explain differences. Cognitive processing differences!
The labels don't stop. The experts point fingers and define a person: Learning Disabled! Dyslexia!
Asperger's! Gifted! Retarded! Autistic! And again the list can go on and on. Labels can be overwhelming
and sometimes ridiculous! The essential question I ask, “Why do we need to label?” Labeling can be
positive, but it is more often negative. It may even create an overwhelming false sense of identity. Are the
many associated behaviors defined as symptoms, syndromes, disorders, or what? Where on the continuum of severity do the behaviors fall? Dig deeply to find the causes and the effects! Explore the subjects that grab your interest: study, ponder, and continue to read. Connect the dots.
Can one identify the problem, design the intervention, and move on with or without a label? Can a label
be carried like an unwanted wart on the face or a blister on the heart? For me, learning about and
understanding an identifier called dyslexia brought massive relief that redirected my thinking to know why I had labeled my cognitive processing as a monster. I can now call it dyslexia. I am relieved. I found it is also a gift. As you find your gifts, you will be inspired and relieved.
Do we process information differently? Processing information in a different way can be an admirable
thing. I have a son who picked up this book and said, “If this book had only one sentence on each page, I would read it!” I missed my chance! That would result in reading about three hundred sentences. That's
commendable and comfortable! I should have taught my son that reading one sentence on each page was
acceptable and even could be outstanding. He would have then begun on the path of learning to learn!
When do we start to teach an individual how to learn, and whose responsibility is it?
How do we learn to learn? I was born with what some would label dyslexia including a deficit of not
being able to sequence. I didn't know what my brain was doing until I became a mature adult. As I
academically stumbled through kindergarten to high school, I concluded that the struggle was firmly in
place because I felt both dumb and smart. My 3rd grade teacher voiced that I would never graduate from
high school. Ouch! On the other hand, I have had experiences in my adult life, which when pieced
together, seemed to make it clear that I am not dumb; I might even be smart. Yes, smart! What a confusing and burdensome dilemma! Can you have it both ways: dumb and intelligent?
This book will open a door through which others who think they are dumb can pass. Such an
unanticipated passage can give them an understanding of their unique talents. These can be a platform
from which they can craft an ultimately successful approach to a challenging life. They will master the
essential skills of learning to learn by understanding the way their brains are wired to receive information.
Understanding the nature of cognitive processing is critical. Knowing how we think and what we can
do with that thinking is the beginning of the story. I heard words at an International Dyslexia Association meeting that described the process: acquisition, interpretation, organization, application, and recall of sensory input. Wow! Is there more? Cognitive processing is a collection of mental skills that are essential to our functioning. Intelligence forms the foundation.
The reason I wrote this book will be understood as we journey, day after day. Are there questions about
cognitive processing? Yes, perhaps someday, someone will say, “I understand now! Aha! I knew there was
an answer!” Keep looking! It will matter. I have contemplated what I know, what to do with what I know, and what I am not sure I know. I shout, “Heaven forgive me as I stumble.”
It would be well to write a book for the student audience, a different version for parents, another for
teachers, and one for everybody else. Therefore, my goal is to roll the essence of what is appropriate into
one book. As I look through my lenses, I desire that we will emerge with an understanding of how we
process information. I will share how accepting differences in processing is an essential key. I am
passionate about this subject. As we deepen our understanding, our empathy will increase, and we can
bring the message of Hope.
I know of cases where not understanding how the brain is processing information has led some, stepby-
step, to prison, to suicide, and others to murder. Hopelessness! My tears care, and I am grateful for you!
If you have been one of my students from 33 years of teaching, please send me your address and I will gift you my book. argie.ella@gmail.com I taught in Arizona, Utah and Hawaii.
Today! This has been an exciting day for my new book. This book: Please
Don't Call Me Dumb! Memoirs of Unique Cognitive Processing: Dyslexia,
Sequencing, or What? has been a
difficult book to send to the market because it has been wrapped in
tears of joy and sadness. The book is a pledge of HOPE for those who
have felt the pain of not understanding why intelligence has not been
rewarded—Smart but feeling Dumb! Please join with me on a journey to
celebrate our gifts of thinking in a very special way. We are a brush
stroke of beauty on the colorful tapestry of life. Rejoice!—Know you and
me, More alike than unalike, Intriguing gifts are we, Search and you
will find, A bit of everthing in me and thee.— As we struggle with the
challenges of living, my desire is that we will discover some threads
which will tie us together and find some answers as to WHY we
cognitively process the way we do. The brain is a complex and
fascinating Control Center to be studied and understood. I am grateful
that I have my particular brain, and I now understand how it processes
as it carries me through the steps of life. If you have ever been one of
my students, please email me: argie.ella@gmail.com as I would like to
gift you this book. I know that I have lots of students from my 33 years
of teaching. For others, you will find my book on Amazon.com Createspace.com
bookstores and online retailers. Libraries and Academic Institutions
can buy through Ingram Distributors. Enjoy and let me know how you feel
about the book. Thank you for making it a friend. Yes! I am working on
another book: Mother.
Have a good day,
Argie Hoskins Shumway
 |
| Cover design: Daniel Reneer |
I am hoping that you are also enjoying my other book: More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets.
 |
| Cover design: Daniel Reneer |
Feel free to share this information.
No comments:
Post a Comment