All too often, student with differences in learning harbor very negative fantasies regarding the reasons for their shortcomings in school. They commonly think of themselves as globally deficient or "dumb." compared to their classmates. Many believe they were born to lose, destined to endure failure throughout the course of their lives. Further, they are likely to believe they are out of control, that effort is unlikely to yield any academic payoff for them. Moreover, their lack of accurate insight into the nature of their difficulties makes it hard for these students to work on their dysfunctions while striving to strengthen their strengths. To fill this dangerous void, we must see to it that children and adolescents with disappointing school performance have the opportunity to benefit from a process of demystification.

Demystification takes place when a knowledgeable adult (outside of the immediate family) describes and interprets for a student her or his profile of strengths and weaknesses. Particular emphasis is placed on helping the child understand exactly where the breakdown(s) exists along a specific learning pathway. Thus, a student might be told that he has trouble writing because he has a graphomotor weakness that makes it too hard for his fingers to keep up with his ideas and words. Or, a student might be helped to see that her math difficulties stem from a problem remembering facts quickly and accurately enough. Such revelations are critical in view of the fact that it is hard for a student to work on something if he doesn't even know what it is called!

At its best, demystification is practical, upbeat, optimistic, non-technical, non-accusatory, and free of "sermonizing." A student should leave a demystification session feeling hopeful and empowered. Often it is good for the parents to be present when the student is demystified; that way, they can provide occasional "booster doses" of insight, making use of the terminology and positive tone demonstrated during the initial demystification.

The following example of how demystification is being used in a variety of ways and settings.

Thoughts on Demystification
Read a collection of comments from educators, parents, and students who have been involved in a demystification session at a Michigan Schools Attuned Program site

Learning About Learning
Read how two third grade teachers help their students learn about learning

Demystification for Student Success
Read about a demystification session from the perspective of a learning specialist, a student, and a parent

Letters that Make Us Crazy
Read a book created by two students who understand their kind of mind