Mensa schoolgirl says dyslexia is her superpower

A 10-year-old girl who has been admitted to Mensa after taking a dyslexia test has described the learning difficulty as her "superpower".

As part of the test, Poppy from Holborough Lakes, near Snodland, was given an intelligence quotient (IQ) score of 136, which puts her in the top 1% of the British public. She is hoping this will change attitudes towards dyslexia.

The schoolgirl said: "It isn't because you're not smart, it's just you don't think the same as everyone else and that's a good thing."

Poppy's mother, Lucy, who is very proud of her daughter, said: "It's a gift - she may end up working in science or the creative arts but whatever happens, the world is her oyster."

Poppy's advice to others was: "If you're dyslexic, think of it as your superpower."

Poppy was initially put forward for dyslexia screening after her 11 plus tutor noted she was struggling to spell age appropriate words.

Her mother said: "Poppy was spelling words correctly but from memory rather than through phonics."

She said the test was more than three hours long and revealed she had dyslexia but also a high IQ, which helps her work around problems.

Glynda Cullen from Guiding Star Dyslexia, based in Higham, took Poppy through the test and was surprised by the results.

She said: "I kept thinking she'll get one wrong in a minute as it gets steadily harder but she kept on going!"

"Usually with children you can tell they are finding it difficult.

"They might squirm in their seat, but Poppy didn't, she stayed completely calm and level-headed.

"She had a logical, pragmatic type of demeanour."

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing and spelling.

Unlike a learning disability, intelligence is not affected, the NHS says.

Mensa applicants need to score at or above the 98th percentile on an approved, standardised intelligence test, which is generally an IQ score of 130–132 or higher, depending on the specific test.

The average IQ in the United Kingdom is 100 with a high IQ in children characterised by traits such as an unusual memory, early reading or advanced language skills, an awareness of world events, sense of humour and asking many questions.

Poppy passed her 11 plus exam and since joining Mensa has received a hoodie jumper, mug and monthly newsletter.

"I also looking forward to regular catch-ups with other children like me," she said.

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