Writing for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Burton Wire’s Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. discusses the importance of the episode, “Theo’s Gift” in raising awareness of dyslexia and mainstreaming the much-needed conversation. Read excerpts below:
EXCERPTS
Vanessa, I finally know what’s wrong with me and I can do something about it.’ – Theo Huxtable, ‘Theo’s Gift,’ Season 6, Episode 5 of ‘The Cosby Show.’
The world is reeling over the news of the tragic passing of actor, director, musician and poet Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
While many remember Warner’s iconic performances on “The Cosby Show” (episodes and scenes including “A Shirt Story,” “Night and Day,” “Dance Mania,” and “Theo’s Economic Lesson”), he should also be remembered for his role in making dyslexia a household name, thus mainstreaming learning disorders…
In “Theo’s Gift,” Theo learns he has dyslexia and now understands why he had such a hard time getting through school. Cliff, Clair and Theo are delighted to learn there is an explanation for the lifelong difficulty Theo had with learning and they discuss the tools he can use to perform better in his classes. Theo’s sister, Vanessa, enters the chat, gently admonishing Cliff and Clair for being punitive and disparaging Theo’s character, when in reality, he needed help because he learns differently.
This article originally appeared on the AJC and was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire.
