Success Stories: Famous Adults with Dyslexia who Inspire

Reading aloud in front of peers, filling out a reading log each night of the week, and writing paragraphs for every subject in school might be just a few assignments that your dyslexic child is challenged by when he or she is a student. Getting through the day-to-day operations of a typical classroom can be so difficult when you are dealing with a learning disability. But there is hope for students who have dyslexia. 

At Dyslexia on Demand, our belief is that every child deserves the chance to learn to be academically successful. We also believe that dyslexic students can be empowered to succeed not just in school, but in any endeavors they choose to pursue in the real world. Having academic challenges can feel like a hindrance, but once a student harnesses the power that dyslexia therapy can provide, anything is possible. Throughout history, there have been many inspirational figures who have not only worked through the challenges of dyslexia, they’ve become icons in their fields—from business to science, from sports to film, and beyond. Read on to learn more success stories about famous adults with dyslexia who inspire. 

A true artist: Leonardo da Vinci

While he didn’t have an official diagnosis of dyslexia, it is believed that Leonardo da Vinci’s unconventional perspectives and groundbreaking approaches stemmed from his ability to visualize complex concepts in a unique way. Researchers have found in his notebooks that da Vinci often employed mirror writing and inconsistent spelling throughout his note-taking; these are signs that are often associated with dyslexia. A true Renaissance man, da Vinci served as a painter, sculptor, scientist, musician, architect, and engineer. In addition, he had extraordinary ideas in subjects such as anatomy, engineering, and optics, exemplifying how neurodiversity can be a superpower. 

An accomplished athlete: Magic Johnson

As a 5-time NBA champion, 3-time NBA MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist, Magic Johnson knows what it means to see hard work turn into successful results. However, Johnson struggled with reading throughout his elementary years. He wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until he was a student athlete at Michigan State University. Johnson has discussed how he developed strategies that helped him to deal with his learning disability in school; he fine-tuned his listening skills. He put in more hours of work.  These habits helped lead him to plenty of success on the basketball court too.  

A critically acclaimed actress: Keira Knightley

She has been a heroine in Pride and Prejudice and Pirates of the Caribbean, and she’s received multiple award nominations for her work. Keira Knightley was diagnosed with dyslexia around age 6, and as a child, acting became a creative outlet for her. Reading scripts can pose difficulties for an actress with dyslexia; Knightley has spoken about how the support of her parents and the extra efforts she has exerted have helped her to become one of the best at her profession. 

An influential scientist: Albert Einstein

Einstein is another famous figure who—while he didn’t have a formal dyslexia diagnosis—showed many signs of dyslexia throughout his childhood. He had delayed speech as well as difficulties with reading and writing. But symptoms of dyslexia did not hold Einstein back. He excelled in things like visual and spatial reasoning. His extraordinary abilities and different ways of thinking led to him revolutionizing the world’s understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe. 

A fantastic filmmaker: Stephen Spielberg

Academy Award winner Spielberg wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until he was 60-years-old. However, even as a high schooler, he was creating brilliant adventure-themed films. While reading scripts or books can present a challenge, Spielberg’s creativity blossomed into such films as The Goonies, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. This director’s exceptional ability to visualize stories and bring them to the big screen, his masterful storytelling, and his pioneering film work can all be connected to a mind that is driven by neurodiversity. His dyslexia-related strengths have propelled him to a prolific film career. 

Big Businessman: Richard Branson

Branson credits his dyslexia with giving him the ability to see the big picture when it came to business development. His Virgin Group spanned sectors that included telecommunications, airlines, and space travel. In 2024, Branson put his belief in the power of dyslexic thinking to good use; he created a free online resource called The University of Dyslexic Thinking, which inspires its students to become innovators, problem-solvers, storytellers, and unconventional thinkers. 

At Dyslexia on Demand, we know that dyslexia is not a barrier to achievement; it is a different way of thinking and learning. With the right support, students can adults with dyslexia who inspire. Our dyslexia therapy programs offer the best kinds of dyslexia support with the most qualified professionals—Certified Academic Language Specialists. Through our trusted online dyslexia therapy curriculum, we can help to change the lives and self-concepts of struggling readers so that they can develop their reading skills as well as their confidence. Learn more about our program by calling 888-292-3906, or book online for a free consultation.