Henry Winkler is known to many as Fonzie on “Happy Days,” and to others as Gene Cousineau on “Barry.” But he is also known to the younger generation as the author of the “Hank Zipser” series which chronicles the life and adventures of a young child with dyslexia. The actor/writer has been open and honest about his dyslexia diagnosis and in turn, has helped many others with the same diagnosis.
He recently gave some good advice aimed at singer Kelly Clarkson’s daughter River, 8, when she was a guest on his show earlier this week. When I heard this, it immediately triggered my wonderful memory of when Winkler, 77, gave the same advice to my son JD.
Henry Winkler Gives Great Advice About Diagnosing Dyslexia
Melanie VanDerveer – contributed photo
Anytime my son JD or I see Winkler on TV, social media or in the news, the first thing we automatically think of is the time we met him and how he changed my son’s life so much. We met Winkler in July 2013, but the memories are still as clear as that day, and the impact he had on my son is still pervasive.
JD, now 20, but 10 when we met the actor, was diagnosed with severe dyslexia after years of testing and trying to figure out the learning difficulties he had. When he finally got a diagnosis from a dyslexic neurologist, it was a weight lifted because now we finally knew what to focus on. Before being diagnosed, it was like a shot in the dark and many stressful moments.
Shortly after learning that JD had dyslexia, I read that Winkler had it too. And oddly enough, at the same time, I found out that Winkler would be showing up at a local restaurant in New Jersey for a meet and greet. So of course, I plan to take my kids to meet him. BEST idea!
Melanie VanDerveer – contributed photo
We stood in line for hours waiting for our chance to meet him and every moment was worth it. I told him that JD was recently diagnosed and explained the learning struggles he was having. Winkler gave my son a moving speech about never giving up, not letting anyone tell him he can’t or won’t achieve great things and to keep working hard. His words moved and ignited a fire in my son, who eventually with his hard work and focus, completely overcame his struggles.
When diagnosed, the neurologist told us that my son would never read well and would never enjoy reading. (Yes, hearing that and the way he said it in front of my son hurt for so many reasons.) But JD proved him wrong time and time again. He graduated high school as a straight A student with honors, will graduate college as a straight A student, (and will receive an academic award in a few weeks) and hasn’t struggled with reading in a very long time.
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After meeting Winkler, we would sometimes tweet him some of JD’s accomplishments and he would ALWAYS reply and sometimes retweet for his followers. This man deserves an award for being the kindest, most loving and most inspiring person, and I know my son completely agrees.
Henry Winkler Shares Message To Kelly Clarkson’s Daughter
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While a guest on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” earlier this week, Winkler and Clarkson, 40, talked about her success as the author of more than 30 children’s books. This topic prompted Clarkson to talk about her daughter.
“I drove my daughter to school yesterday, and she is dyslexic. And you have told me that you are also dyslexic,” he said. “I think it’s amazing, to tell my daughter that you’ve written like 40 books and you’re dyslexic.”
She also added that her daughter River, who is in second grade, “was bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids.”
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Clarkson said she didn’t realize how common dyslexia really is, and Winkler pointed out that 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with a learning disability. “He’s part of the tribe,” he said. He then shared a direct message for River.
“River! How you learn has nothing to do with how good you are,” he told the camera, as Clarkson broke down in tears.
I remember those tears when Winkler offered motivational advice to my son. And I’m sure River, just like JD, will carry that advice with him throughout his life and never forget it.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
