2008
Dyslexia and Gospel Learning
October 2008


“Dyslexia and Gospel Learning,” Ensign, Oct. 2008, 72

Dyslexia and Gospel Learning

Amanda Merrill, Texas

As someone with dyslexia, I learn a little bit differently than many of my peers do. When I was a child, dedicated parents and teachers discovered that a multisensory teaching approach helped me to better understand and retain information. In other words, if I could see and touch or see and hear what I was being taught, I was more likely to remember it.

Now as a young adult, I still use this method. One tool that has helped me tremendously in my gospel study is listening to the audio files available under “Media Formats” in the Gospel Library at LDS.org. Audio publications here include the scriptures, scripture study materials, general conference addresses, Church magazines, Teachings of Presidents of the Church manuals, music, and more. As I listen to these (generally on a personal MP3 player so I’m not distracted by external sounds) and follow along with the text either in a hard-copy publication or online, I am better able to understand the words of the prophets and apostles.

Occasionally the materials I want to study aren’t available in MP3 format. In these cases, I have used the video or ASL (American Sign Language) video options and turned up the sound on my computer.

I am grateful that the words of the Brethren are accessible in formats that allow all of us—no matter how we learn—to understand them.