Monday, May 12, 2025
54.7 F
Roseville

Dyslexia didn’t stop psychologist

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website defines dyslexia as a “brain-based type of learning disability specifically impairing a person’s ability to read.” It also can affect a person’s spelling, spoken language, and writing. Many people with dyslexia grow up feeling “stupid” after being teased as slow readers in school.

In a telephone interview, Johanna Hocker of Blue Earth, Minnesota, remembered her early experiences with dyslexia. “I just had a really, really, horrible time reading and spelling,” said Hocker, a retired psychologist in her late 60s. “The problem was I would flip numbers and letters. If the progression of letters was 1, 2, 3, 4, I might see 2, 1, 4, 3. It wasn’t I couldn’t do the math; it was just the numbers were scrambled.”

When Hocker was in fourth grade, her mother asked a teacher if Hocker was mentally retarded. The teacher pointed out many intelligent people, including Einstein, had failed school. Her mother didn’t buy that explanation because she had always equated spelling ability with intelligence.

One turning point came in sixth grade when her school began requiring a weekly spelling test for eligibility as a school crossing guard. Hocker said, “I’d be standing out there as a crossing guard and my friend (also a crossing guard) would be across the street. We’d practice spelling words out loud so I could pass the test and be eligible to be there the next time. I had motivation (to work harder at spelling) at that point.”
Even though having such a challenging time reading, “I still had the brains to be a ‘C’ student in high school,” she said, “but I would never raise my hand.”

She said many things have helped her cope with dyslexia. The first, and most significant, was purchasing a speed reading book from which she learned to read by phrases instead of individual words. Other help came years later from her training as a psychologist: bilateral stimulation, and taking the supplement ginkgo biloba. To help get herself through college and become a psychologist, she took written notes in class, typed them up at home, and organized them. She mulled the notes over “to get the information ingrained in me, like a cow chewing its cud,” she said. “Once it made sense, I didn’t have a problem giving (the information) back on a test.”



Sphere Las Vegas

Festival! May 16 -18

Support local sports!

Trending

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Topics

Midas / SpeeDee Oil Change in Roseville

Your Roseville Midas dealer on Foothills Boulevard is the place to go for brakes, oil change, tires and all your auto repair needs

Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville

Modern Asian cuisine meets timeless tradition. The premier spot for Chinese and Asian fusion in Roseville and Folsom. Great for happy hour, dinner, date night.

Squeeze Burger in Roseville

Squeeze Burger Roseville, home of the Famous Squeeze With Cheese. Formerly Squeeze Inn, we offer the #1 Burger in the Sacramento area.

Subaru Outback still delivering dependability

Roseville, Calif. - Despite having a wagon-like body style, for years the Subaru Outback was classified as a midsize SUV.

Peet’s Coffee locations in Roseville

Since 1966, Peet's Coffee has sourced and offered superior coffees and teas adhered to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Hormones: The Key to Dropping Excess Weight

Sacramento, Calif.- When it comes to improving body composition and achieving optimal health, balancing your hormones is essential for both short- and long-term success. There are seven major hormones that

Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 show at Jessup University in Rocklin

Roseville, Calif.- Welcome to the Roseville Quilt Guild 2025 Quilt Show! Join us May 9 & 10, 2025 for a day filled with beautiful quilts and creativity at Jessup University in Rocklin.

RCSDF Golf Tournament in Roseville tees off to support student education

Roseville, Calif. - The Roseville City School District Foundation (RCSDF) invites the community to its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the scenic Sierra View Country Club.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning serving Roseville and South Placer County for over 30 years

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning Inc. has been serving Placer County’s commercial and residential window cleaning needs since 1990.

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 25 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.