Educational Media Reviews Online

“What triggers the anomalies in the brain that make someone dyslexic?” Producer and director Dorothy Tod asks this question to introduce the viewer to her challenging journey of helping her dyslexic son, Ben. The film shows her eighteen-year struggle to understand the condition and to bring insight to the obstacles that dyslexics face in trying to get an education. The viewer has the opportunity to look at the traditional programs in Ben’s public elementary school contrasted with the in-depth appropriate curriculum that he receives at Greenwood Institute, a special school for dyslexics, and the individualized education program (IEP) Ben experiences when he returns to a public high school.

Compelling comments from the teachers at the Institute and from well-known reading specialist Louisa Cook Moats provide an excellent understanding of the disorder. Viewers are able to see how students work as they confront the frustrations and problems that are a part of the disorder as well as their exceptional abilities in other areas. Ironically while learning about the disorder, Dorothy soon realizes that she also has dyslexia. The comments from Ben and other students give the personal perspective of those directly affected by dyslexia and help the viewer see how the specialized training helped them be more successful and improve their emotional well being. Other comments from Ben’s father show the conflict in the family but also his understanding as he learns more. The film closes with a poignant cover letter for college applications read by Ben as he describes his path from initial frustration as a child to his willingness to fully embrace the condition with understanding and respect. His success is evident in the acceptance letters from four of the six colleges that receive applications.

The video segments are mixed with still photographs and accompanied by appropriate original music. Although the audio segments are not as clear during some interviews, this does not detract from the effectiveness of the entire film. The film ends with written statistical facts to help underscore the extent of the disorder and includes a reference for the International Dyslexia Association.

This is an excellent film for families dealing with dyslexia, public school teachers, and Schools of Education especially those with programs that emphasize special education. Recommended for universities and public libraries.