When I was nine years old I could read at a very advanced level, I had grasped how to pronounce written words and I was proud of my ability. Then it was realised that I had basically no ability to process anything I was reading for meaning. Essentially, when it came to print, I was dealing with combinations of Visual Verbal Agnosia (print equivalent of meaning deafness) and Scotopic Sensitivity (in which I experienced visual disturbances with print). Then began the struggle to teach me the connections between words and meaning and only then did it become so apparent what a struggle it really was to read or ‘enjoy’ books in the way most people did.

I have made a video over at Autism Hangout in which I explore what its like to struggle with getting meaning from books as well as the struggles people can have with print and the page itself.

I explore which types of books may be more user friendly for some people and why, and some of the techniques that may help people make sense of what they read.

I also explore the visual perceptual problems of Visual Verbal Agnosia, Dyslexia and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome and present tinted lenses and discuss how they may help some people to make fuller sense of the visual world including being better able to understand and enjoy reading.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.