Rethinking intelligence: Report calls for a shift in education to embrace dyslexic thinking for the future workforce

Global charity Made by Dyslexia recently launched an in-depth report calling for systemic change in the school system, with the requirement for a more inclusive system evident; only 35 per cent of dyslexics pass GCSEs in English and maths — meaning 65 per cent are labelled as failures.

Dyslexia is the most common neurodiversity and influences one in five people. It is categorised as a ‘learning difference’. People with dyslexia possess strengths in creativity, problem-solving, and communication alongside challenges in reading and spelling.

The Intelligence 5.0 Report calls for a global shift in how intelligence is measured and valued. Exams and tests are no longer the most effective way to measure the intelligence required in today’s world.

According to Made By Dyslexia, the current metrics used in schools and workplaces are outdated and fail to capture the skills needed for the emerging Industry 5.0 world (also known as the Fifth Industrial Revolution) – where humans, advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) work together to enhance creativity, efficiency, and personalisation in production and problem-solving.

Made By Dyslexia’s founder and CEO, Kate Griggs, said: “The Intelligence 5.0 report proves that it’s time for a radical shift in how the world talks about, teaches, and measures intelligence.

“Traditional metrics like exams and psychometric tests fail to capture the human-centric skills needed for the Industry 5.0 world.”

Only six per cent of global respondents believed that scoring highly in exams is the best indicator of intelligence, while just five per cent thought that performing well on psychometric tests is the best measure.

The report states that what is needed now is a systemic shift in both education and the workplace, to recognise and empower the new forms of intelligence that the 5IR (Fifth Industrial Revolution) world needs.

Schools, workplaces, and society can take steps to recognise and empower dyslexic thinking, according to the report. It claims that when it comes to intelligence, ‘an entirely new school of thought which nurtures the skills our fast-evolving world’ is needed.

Made by Dyslexia has stated there are six dyslexic thinking skills: visualising, imagining, communicating, reasoning, connecting, and exploring. ‘Dyslexic thinking’, overall, is recognised as a skill on LinkedIn and in the dictionary.

The charity states that in today’s AI-driven world, essential human skills like creativity, adaptability, leadership, innovation, problem-solving and critical thinking stand out.

Despite AI’s advancements, it cannot replace these human skills. The report highlights that with their talent for asking insightful questions and exploring options, dyslexics are adept at prompting AI brilliantly.

Furthermore, research from specialised talent company, Randstad Enterprise, finds that dyslexic thinking skills are the most in-demand skills in every job, across all sectors, globally.

The report states that the notable emphasis on dyslexic challenges in ‘traditional markers’ – such as accuracy in spelling and punctuation – indicates that the world still holds an outdated view of intelligence, reflecting societal bias towards conventional academic abilities.

Made by Dyslexia said that these traditional markers, though challenging for dyslexics, are easily mastered by AI, while dyslexic thinking skills such as problem solving and good people/communication skills are not.

Ultimately, the charity affirms, through its research, that current measures of intelligence are outdated and flawed, and that education systems must shift focus away from standard tests to prioritise creativity and critical thinking over traditional assessment methods.

Kate Griggs said: “The workforce is being reshaped by AI at a speed we’ve never seen before, and it’s demanding a different kind of intelligence—one that is driven by creativity, problem solving, and human skills.

“These are precisely the skills that dyslexic thinkers have in abundance, yet they’re too often overlooked by traditional systems.”

Made By Dyslexia said education systems can adopt four simple steps to empower dyslexic thinking, including defining dyslexia as a valuable skill and offering tailored support. These four steps include:

– Defining dyslexia as a valuable thinking skill

– Offering adjustments that enable dyslexic thinking to thrive

– Tailoring testing and exams for dyslexic thinking

– Using the power of support and community.

Kate Griggs said: “Following the report, Made by Dyslexia and Sir Richard Branson, have launched DyslexicU, a free online platform, in collaboration with The Open University, which aims to close the skills gap and teach the world about the unique abilities of dyslexic thinkers.

“DyslexicU is a crucial step in preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s opportunities.”