Expert: Sharon Crandall - 5/7/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Sharon,
I've had this problem since I was little but never occur to me that it may be a form of dyslexsia and I would like to find out. What I do is when I see or hear numbers, I see them and hear them as they are but in translating to a written format I mix them all up. I can be reading them correctly but I may say it out loud wrong or write them down mixed up. What does it mean?

Thanks
b
Answer -
Dear Bunnysquare,

I need to ask you some questions. Are you right handed or left handed. When you stand in the mirror with no shoes on is one shoulder slightly higher than the other? Which eye do you use to sight with if you were looking through a microscope? Is one foot bigger than the other?

There are also several traits that might come in to play but I feel you maybe are using the wrong hand. Please reply with the answers and I will explain what happens to the brain when you use the wrong hand.

Sharon Crandall
Certified Personality Consultant

Hello Sharon,
To answer your questions, I am right handed, my right shoulder is higher, and I would use my left eye to see through a microscope, and my feets are the same size.
To give you a bit more information, I am a designer, when I am painting or drawing I do sometimes use my left hand without discomfort.  Also, my previous therapist have mentioned to me that I may have ADHD.  And if I am indeed using the wrong hand, do I need to correct this? and why did this happen?

Thanks so much Sharon, I will be looking forward to your answers.

Warm Regards


Answer
Dear Bunnysquare,

Thanks for the info.  This does help.  I think you are using the wrong hand and should be left handed.  I can't tell for sure, because I am not there in person to check you out; but let me explain how it works.  If you are supposed to be L handed then the right side of your brain is the dominant side.  This dominant side does not mean R and L brained in the sense of creativity; that is something else.

If you are supposed to be L handed then all thoughts originate in the right side of your brain.  Then, when you use your right hand, the thought goes down to the L hand and your body says, No, you are R handed, so then the thought has to go back up to the brain and switch over and come down into your R hand.

This can cause learning problems, confusion, hesitation and I think it could cause your problem with numbers.  

Usually, when we have a problem, it is more than one factor, as well. But I really think using the wrong hand is probably the cause of your problem.

However, you may also have traits that could contribute to this.  HIghly intelligent people sometimes have trouble with little things like that.  You might be low on visual memory.  Do you remember what you see, as in looking at something and remembering it so you can draw it?
 
I believe that just using the wrong hand can cause this problem.  You might try switching to your left hand, or at least spending 15 to 30 minutes each night writing with your left hand.  Also, piano lessons where you use both hands plus music itself can help a person integrate their brain.  

I do not believe most people have ADD because there are usually logical reasons why people have difficulty in learning, or staying focused.  

Try this.  I would appreciate your feedback on this.  I know of others who have improved by switching to their correct hand.  It might be something as simple as that.

Sharon