Inspiring stuff. I'm also a severe dyspraxic and dyslexic from the UK. Was constantly told I was stupid throughout out school and not to expect to achieve anything. Struggled with reading and writing in English and told my IQ was too low to graduate from senior high school. Found that my learning disability did not affect me with identifying pictures. Found I could read write and understand Mandarin Chinese. Gained an honours degree from a Russell Group University in Chinese Studies finally at 25. Found that I could code. Worked at Square Enix in Shanghai as a game developer. Worked for the British Foreign Service as a diplomatic officer in Beijing from 2015 serving my country and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world. Don't ever let anyone tell you you are stupid.
Genericusername555 >>> You sound more like a creative visional thinker or how I should say it. Wish I had your abilities. Maybe because I never liked math. It never really inspired me.
I work in education. I have worked with first nation students of all ages. Each and everyone of my students came in with what others qualified as "a learning difficulty". I never believed it. I always believed they could learn and it was my job, as their teacher, to find out how. Now I am a consultant. In some schools I visit, I hear the same speech again "these students have learning disabilities, they should be in a special class, they need assistance". To this, I still say that they don`t. What they need is this one person to help them find their own way of learning, someone who will have more than just one teaching style. Not so long ago, a teacher invited me to teach one of her class. Her clientele has students with personalized education plan and tools. I prepared my lessons not knowing her kids very well, but knowing I had experience in being a mirror for kids like the ones she qualified. I tried many things during her class. It is later that same night that I received words from the mother of one of those "special kids". He had learned what I was teaching. In fact, he was able to explain it his own way. I did not use fancy tools or additional assistance. I just tried to teach him in various ways until he got it. I may not know 71 learning styles, but that day, I found the right one for that kid. Thank you for the beautiful talk Scott.
That is an amazing story. I think every school need to change the learning environment with accommodations, because not every child is going to learn one way. It can definitely enlighten a child.
Right on. I was teaching Mindstorm robotics on a contract for Northern VA. schools a while back. At one school, I took the "misfit" group. It was work but they won after the 6 week project. Everyone was shocked but the "misfits" learned that they themselves could overcome. They simply needed encouragement and an approach that fit them.
By it's very nature a public school can't. It's not feasible to actually teach all 30+ students in the correct day-to-day for them. The only answer is unschooling, and requires parents to be responsible for their children. That won't happen.
This is one of the most impactful speeches I've heard on Ted Talks. I myself, have dyslexia and I was called stupid in school and that tends to make someone give up. Later in life I wanted to become an author, and by believing in myself I have written three books and I am working on two others. Scott, you are an inspiration and I am so glad you shared that with the world. I hope you read this, it really means alot to me just to tell you, thank you. Gordan
Knowing and working with Scott personally for almost a decade, I can vouch for two things: 1. Yes, this is very authentic. This is a personal story that affects his life in a very big way. 2. If Scott has banned someone from his personal Facebook account, it is because they have expressed negative, threatening or attacking energy toward him. And he simply does not want it in his life. Yes, it may be simply an opinion, but those opinions can be expressed in other public forums. I feel a bit protective of Coach, and thought I should say something. Great speech. Thank you Scott!
I deleted my original message because I thought about it and I do not want to promote negativity. Especially towards someone who inspired me and inspires others. He's doing a beautiful job. But I never asked anything with disrespect or any other type of aggression. I still think he is too sensitive and paranoid (maybe because of his past experiences). I agree that I do not have an automatic right to express myself in HIS facebook profile. But the banning of people with no explanation is a bad tendency he has. I was not aggressive. I can attest to this personally. It could have taken a few seconds of his time to explain, and I would have been perfectly okay with that. If you have a public face you must deal with different opinions. Banning someone at the slightest smell of dissent talks badly about you, I think. Also, idolizing and guruism have very negative effects in society. If you just ban someone to silence him, you look like a guru to me. Nobody is perfect. Nobody is as legendary as they want to paint themselves. And there is nothing wrong with being imperfect.
Please tell him that one of his old Ville martial arts club members just stumbled on this and is so proud of him. He was a super nice guy, I'm so touched he shared his story and I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments.
i was moved and inspired having aspbergers, ADD, and right hemisphere learning disability. The night that I watched this I stayed up all night n taught myself chisenbop bc I am have only been able to do math by counting my fingers, but only knew or how to count to ten. otherwise I need calculator. I share this video n watch almost every week for inspiration. I was 32 when I had been diagnosed, and was always told I was lazy or ditzy. I am far from this. I am an artist, and have a passion for neuroscience. I can listen to 12 hrs of medical journals in one day.
This was so fantastic. I've seen young men in high school that I am 95% sure are dyslexic but have become labeled as behavioral problems and NO ONE has evaluated them because they are not educated, or trained to observe or evaluate. Colleges, Higher education do not prepare these teachers, counselors, school psychologist what dyslexic is all about and as a advocate for dyslexia I speak to share your story, and provide simulations to bring awareness. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can't imagine the courage it took to relive your past in order to share with others. God Bless. A sister dyslexic...
I come from a (dysfunctional, violent emotionally and physically) family of,geneses...I have this learning difference of dyslexia..its been a long journey and still even though I now work in a school that allows for difference I often see kids who feel lost by their not understanding their beautiful gifts...thanks for this amazing story...so much like my own.
Touches my heart. Did not have dyslexia but still some difficulties to learn and I found my own ways of learning later in life when I found things that I am passionate about
What a beautiful but challenging life story and what a beautiful soul Scott Sonnon rising victoriously above it all, I truly love and respect what he has shared today, there are so many more that need to hear this especially schools , teachers and teaching facilities...bless his heart and the wisdom of his soul
One of the best TED talks yet. I was one of those as well. I was born with aspergers and my young life was about learning (my way) and wanting to absorb all I can. I was stopped by my teachers and accused of mockery. Thank you. You touched me.
Wonderful seminar in advanced cognitive psychology, Scott. Every educator, psychologist, psychiatrist, sociologist and economist should study this presentation. It should be required study for every parent.
Thx Scott. Its very rare when somebody has this combination of mastery and humbleness. Specially in the arena of Martial Arts. This makes the real warrior. Good luck!
Scott I am a special education teacher and have been implementing the very core of what you shared. My very strength is what came out of my weakness as well. The flood of data you talked about happens too! If a student is not understanding something, I can superimpose myself into their frustration, feel it and then speak to it to find out how best to rewire. What I have discovered is all confusions stem from either not knowing which direction to see or hear something, the moments that follow get lost in translation, then fear steps in and confirms the misfeed. I honestly can't find teaching resources that back up what I am doing. You are the first person to actually put words to what I have been doing as I teach children to read as I work with kindergarten and first grade. So, thank you for sharing your experience. I am going to try to copy this talk to my work email and request that my fellow teachers watch it. Their is one little boy I work with that is going through the same experience you did and I am going to research more about what you shared. Maybe I can make a difference in his life so he doesn't replicate the one his mom and dad are presenting to him. Scott I do believe things happen for a reason, and I have been praying all day for an answer to my deepest beliefs about what I do as a teacher. Your talk was my answer to prayer. Thank you so very much.
Greasy McRibs Shouldn't you blame the people who designed the school system? These teachers do what they are told. They are taught to not give a shit. I agree with you that some are just pieces of shit, but not all of them. The lady above seems to actually care. I have grown up with learning disabilities so I understand what you have gone through.
I really get this. I was told I did not try hard enough at school...but I tried so dam hard, but I had learning difficulties. I left school and went on to qualify in several beauty houses as a beautician and learned psychology, iridiology and numerous other subjects. They were wrong.
Oh my gosh. Scott Sonnon, this is such an important message. I just wish i could talk with you. 10 years teaching within public school, 10 years plus martial arts, arts etc. This goes so deep. NWMA knows this. It connects to so much. Thank you. The rage at the injustice, the inability for others to comprehend, the labeling. It drives one mad until one transcends, or comes to terms with the conditions, the ignorance, the injustices and the dangers.
Wow! This video presentation is very deep. His troubled and traumatized childhood reminds me of my time when I was a child in "special ed." I too was misunderstood by my peers and my teachers. I too learned difference, and had a hard time with the teachers trying to accommodate my different way of learning. He is right that people with learning differences have the highest incarceration rate, unemployment, and mental issues. I do have former classmates that are in that statistic era, and I am humbled and thankful that I was not a statistic. This really hit me home.
I don't have any learning disability but I cried through the video. The emotional trauma that Scott had to go through in his childhood couldn't have been easy to cope with. It's a shame that many people feel it is insincere or overly dramatized. I think people who didn't have to deal with emotional trauma don't really understand how on the edge it can make people. Imagine being physically bullied, and being sent to an insane asylum. It can mess up anybody, especially a child who doesn't fit in.
We have all had to cope with emotional trauma !!!! Scott is a brilliant exercise specialist, so why is he putting on such an act. He doesn't need to target your emotions. He is flawless when he teaches, so we know this is all bullshit. Life is hard, but be real about it. When Scott speaks from his heart, then he will have my full attention, but this bullshit, Naah !
What a heartfelt story. I felt so bad about Scott's childhood, all that brutality at his early age. I am so happy to hear that he has been able to find his strength and skills while the system tries to keep us all in the same mold! I hope his story inspires lots of "different" people.
wow, that's so powerful! a must see for all parents and teachers, carers. i always thought all these labels of dyslexia etc were stupid. i'm glad i was right about that. 70 others learning styles...wow. everybody is different, unique - yes, they told us that, but nobody mentioned that there are 71 learning styles. please share this everywhere.
Thank you for this! I was also assaulted by a teacher - slapped across the face while in line with my class of 2nd grade peers. God bless you! Physical abuse shows up in birth charts. I’ve been assaulted a lot. It’s crazy how some people are never attacked while others are abused numerous times. I wholeheartedly agree we need to continue to reform our educational styles to meet the children. Instead of putting them all in a box. This includes adults too.
Thank you so much for the courage and honesty you displayed. You are an inspiration for us all in your integrity, intelligence and compassion. Your emotions show you are truly a great man.
Thank you for what you said in this talk. It was powerful and moving. Especially for the mother of a brilliant dyslexic daughter who at only nine fears she is going to fail in school.
Great speech! It was so touching! Reminds me of when I was a child and I could look at math problems, even super complicated ones and automatically know the answers. My teachers said I wasn't doing it right and that I have to work out the answer the correct way. It's 1000x more confusing for me. I had my own ways of coming up with answers and I even showed them to the teachers on the board, but they didn't understand my method at all and told me in order to get full credit, I need to work out the answers the 'correct' ways. It was frustrating. Now that I learned the 'correct' way to do it and been using the method all these years, my brain forgets how to solve problems in the original method that I was born with. Thank you for sharing your amazing story!
Scott, You just described my school experience, failed most grades, beat up in the hallways, sent away to residential school for being disruptive. being told by the principle to quit school and stop wasting the school's time.
I have that same learning ability. Time slows down and I am able to have extreme focus. Like when im working time slows down a little bit so I am able to focus longer and think more efficiently
I thought I was the only person with that ability I remember riding the school bus to high school and I would be focusing so much that I would slow time and focus on counting the sheet metal squares on the top of the bus. It seemed as if the squares would all glowed in my mind.
Great stuff - been there! My HS counselor told me my IQ scored at 88. They wanted my in a special work program. They didn't know how preoccupied I was w/ violence at home and bullies at school. I've been working as an IT and business consultant for many years, for a US President and his family, many heads of State, and top executives; I developed the financial system to run a 140M budget for a critical government program, where the million dollar solution had failed. For too long I was sure I was stupid, and was on a path of total self-destruction - until something dramatic. At age 20, God touched my life. After that, I became convinced that nothing could stop me. I enrolled in college, got mostly straight A's through grad school, learned 3 languages, Greek, Hebrew, and Spanish. I learn differently, too, but I learn well and I'm not afraid to tackle a subject...because I know Jesus wants me to maximize myself for His purpose. So what's to stop me? Romans 8:31; 2Corinthians 5:17.
wow!!! thank you for perfectly describing what I have been trying to describe since being diagnosed in 4th grade. Although my story is somewhat different, my nephews story is so similar to yours that when I closed my eyes I saw him on that stage telling the story, he is still so young, 25, and is still struggling so much, that we all have felt helpless for years. Hearing you speak brought back some of that hope, THANK YOU!!! Unfortunately my daughter has inherited dyslexia as well, she is 11, and I have known since kindergarten that she has this, even if the school was reluctant to confirm or deny either way. They did, however, intervene and she has had an IEP since 1st grade. It is still a struggle, but she has been blessed with amazing teachers and tutors and resources that have always encouraged her... unlike the way I and my nephew, and 3/4 of my family on my mothers side, who were treated dispicably by the educational system in this country for generations... In my family on both sides, we have hit the proverbial "genetic/hereditary jackpot" when it comes to obscure, unknown, rare, misunderstood, under-treated, under-diagnosed, conditions. I can't help but attempt to make sense of all of them by creating probable/possible "most likely" connections between them. Research being something that I LOATHED as a student, as well as writing anything, AT ALL, EVER, has become somewhat of an adventure for me in my often incapacitated, physically limited state of existence. If anything, at least I gain SOME semblance of understanding of what is going on, and what the heck was up with me MY ENTIRE LIFE... AND along the way I may be able to help someone searching for answers, begging for information, or just in need of someone that says "Me too, I understand"!!! So thank you!!!! You are definitely reaching out and helping us to feel not so alone, not so hopeless!!!!
what a powerful and moving talk! Every educator should watch this. I watched many of my friends and peers struggle at school as we grew up. The method of learning in schools wasnt innate to me, but i was with some extra effort able to use it. It also confused me how some kids seemed to glide through everything like a hot knife through butter, even when i knew i was more advanced than them at other developmental stuff.
That was amazing to watch... It made me cry. What do teachers have to say about this? Adapting to several learning styles is a huge challenge to address in just 4 hours inside a classroom.
This is why I love TACFIT so much. At no point can anyone go "I can do this with a 35lb clubbell, I'm better than you!". Instead, we help each other by acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses and giving each other tips on what is working fo each other. A Gamma Cast for one person might be their fish climbing a tree, yet they might be a flying pirhana when it comes to leg threads.
Amazing and powerful. Our educational approach sadly in most cases is one dimensional and said to be a 'one size fits all'. For him being disruptive in class; I recalled similar instances in primary and high school asking questions repetitively frustrating the Tutors until I was beaten down and ridiculed(ur stupid and attention seeker, etc). I couldn't understand a concept if I don't see it in my mind or visually presented. However, Uni had a different method of teaching. Simply, you teach yourself, how wonderful and liberating for me. After graduating with engineering decrees I learned to forgive 'cause I realised most teachers on that time only had one tool. You know the cliche, 'if you only have a screw-driver every problems looks like a screw'. Yea, I was screwed a bit back then....:)
That is good that you had to learn how to forgive your teachers that didn't understand your different way of learning. I too had to learn how to forgive my teachers in the past, that did not understand my learning differences. It was very challenging, because I still have the scars and the trauma that they did to me when I was a child. It is a baby step.
I liked your speech very inspireing i can relate i have a learning disabilty and never give up i have worked on my job for 33 years and never settle for less but more go for your dreams in life. Glen Johnson
Very touching and powerful talk. I would make a case we all learn differently but are forced to conform to the limited views of the teachers and authoritarians who prefer their convenience over optimising every child's potential. The difference is while most kids submit to the conditioning and the forceful conformity, some others arent as mouldable. They become outcasts, where the kids who conformed can now mimic the same authoritarian systems of teachers oppressing them, as catharsis. We have a completely fucked up 'education' system. Its a true saying, 'dont let education interfere with your learning'.
i did bad in school. i hated it but i endured it. the bad thing though was my mother never understood about how unique my learning capabilities were. then college came. i met various professors of different teaching styles. those that worked on me were the professors who barely came to class but only informed us of what to read for the next exams. for most of my classmates, they didn't like such professors because they said, "they were not teaching" and they cursed because they failed. it worked for me because i read stuff on my own without any people instructing me what to do. i was more focused. i discovered that my learning style is more of "home school". i aced all the so-called "lazy terror profs" and i was never any part of the "class mortality statistic". since then, when i enlisted myself in classes, i researched on all "terror profs" and enrolled in their classes. i progressed my learning by looking for online schools instead of the conventional classroom ones. i got my lean 6 sigma belt online as well as other business certification courses. my work out is p90x which is also "at-your-own-pace" kind of work out. i started taking in work from home stuff because i really couldn't fit in a normal working setting. kudos to scott at to people like me! i love swimming in the water!
You're like me, Kat. So nice to see someone like me so thank you for your comment. I also have found that online learning at my own pace is so much better for me, being told to be at some class at a specific time on specific days in the same boring not-stimulating classrooms... I just couldn't do it so I dropped out and now I am taking courses and certificate programs online :)
one of the best Ted talks that i have heard. i tried to turn it off, but my inside spidey sense would not allow it. thankfully i got the truth of listening to my voice that is uncanny in its ability to be 100 % correct. thank you Scott for sharing your story/life with us dude. I'm already on Facebook sharing that love brother ! xie xie
planlos übertroffen my mother is the same way. cold, apathetic, never quite present. I feel you love I really do, nothing quite like the world being against you, which is almost tolerable but when your mother joins in it depresses the soul to almost nothing, fading away to ether. Stay strong, find your passion, help others be someone else's hero because you know all the feeling of needing one. Much love mate, cheers! Love from California
Thank you Scott, This was a real blessing to watch and i too struggled at school, and was called a disruptive slow or dumb child, always punished with a cane or strap and made to stand outside or sit at back of a class ????:( , and had no support in helping my so called( learning disability)i actually don't like this label ?But guess we all need a tag :(, we would be put in lower ranked classes which i hated and got embarrassed about felt like i shouldn"t have been there, which produced us to be gang type arrangements where i lived in N.Z at the time, but even i would feel alone like i was different? and so Bullying also happened to me and i began to stick up for bullied friends and martial arts helped turn my life around from a life with no hope running and hiding not feeling strong or confident. Not having a father through my life i had to absorb all my beatings alone with no support or advice teachers had no time for me so i became a person who not only learnt one form of Martial arts, but in 2 years did 6 styles and a kickboxing bout that i won, then spent a life time challenging bouncers to street fights which i would hardly ever lose but then i flipped all that anger an aggression to a lifetime of sport on the ocean surfing and windsurfing solo till i found i could share my skills in teaching and sharing both martial arts ,sport and water sports . My resume is like a road map of America it is so complex as every 6 months i changed jobs now at nearly 53, i am learning about myself and brain and piecing it all together finally! thanks to good people like you friend:) you are truly inspiring! and after a few less inspiring videos? yours was the one i really related too :)you have been totally motivating for me to get to understand why i am the way i am :) if you ever want to head over here down under please visit and stay i have a successful hosting and water sports business and i want to raise awareness for others here about Dyslexia .God Bless Jon.
Thank you' learning for some is just a different approach that others don't understand but thanks to people like you Scott Sonnon their is light in the darkness to show some the path to follow towards enlightenment.
I doubt you'll ever read this.. but thank you for sharing your experiences. It resonated with me quite a bit. Also, it's awesome to hear someone share about the flood of information. I have always found it practically impossible to be in a yoga, martial arts, dance, or virtually any class and move along with them. It's like verbal words don't make sense to me and what I comprehend is other people's nervous systems and tone of voice.
I'm autistic - Asperger's to be precise, and my own learning style doesn't conform. Even at 48 yrs old it still causes me serious problems. I watched this and despite the specifics of Scott's story being very different, his subjective experiences reflect my own. I long for a more tolerant world that embraces the talents of all rather than favouring only those with force of personality and conformity to the "norm". How much more could we have achieved as a species by now?
Scott your story is an inspiration - Thank you I am sharing on my page Mentally Gifted ...Your life story resonates with my soul...You are extraordinary ! You are certainly gifted in every way :)
Great talk! It took great courage to tell that kind of story to perfect strangers. The bit that touched me most was about Tachi-Psychia or time warp. I have experienced that a lot myself throughout my gymnastics career and sometimes in normal life too. The time warp for me happens in an emergency. Big falls in the gym or in traffic. Time just slows down for me and i get time to make decisions and even think on what to do while the actual emergency lasts no more than a second or maybe two. It is an amazing feeling. The rest of the talk was also recognizable (although not as extreme as scotts story). Curiosity is looked upon fondly when you are 3 or 4, maybe even 5, but as soon as you go to school curiosity is frowned upon. I kept asking question because i was never satisfied with the asnwers i got (things like; it is the way it is). But i managed to stay curious up to the present day, being 48 years young and i never intend to stop!!!
I am Dyslexic but I found out about Scott Sonnon because of his work in fitness and martail arts. The way he just puts movement and ideas together very few people are on that level. The only ones I know of are him , Ido Portal (Fitness ambasidor), Sebastain Focon (parkour), Laird Halimilton (surfing) Sugar Ray Leanard (boxing) and the late great Bruce Lee. I KNOW VERY WELL HOW SCHOOL CAN AFFECT YOU IN A NEGITIVE FASHION NO ONE LIKES CRITISISIM AND BEING HELD BACK EINSTEIN , OLIVER REED, STEVE MCQUEEN AND LENNON ALL HAD MASSIVE TRAILS IN THEIR LIFE EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SUPER TALENTED. I CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND WHY HE BLOCKS NEGITIVE PEOPLE AS A PUBLIC FIGURE THE SAME REASON FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SECURITY GUARDS ITS SELF PROTECTION ITS HIS FACEBOOK PAGE AND HE CAN INTER ACT WITH WHO HE WANTS TO ITS ONLY A SOCIAL MEDIA SITE AT THE END OF THE DAY NOT A PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE THERE SAY
Inspiring stuff. I'm also a severe dyspraxic and dyslexic from the UK. Was constantly told I was stupid throughout out school and not to expect to achieve anything. Struggled with reading and writing in English and told my IQ was too low to graduate from senior high school. Found that my learning disability did not affect me with identifying pictures. Found I could read write and understand Mandarin Chinese. Gained an honours degree from a Russell Group University in Chinese Studies finally at 25. Found that I could code. Worked at Square Enix in Shanghai as a game developer. Worked for the British Foreign Service as a diplomatic officer in Beijing from 2015 serving my country and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world. Don't ever let anyone tell you you are stupid.
wow! you can be proud of you!
+genericusername555 I understand, read my recent post here for similar story
Genericusername555 >>> You sound more like a creative visional thinker or how I should say it. Wish I had your abilities. Maybe because I never liked math. It never really inspired me.
genericusername555 hell yeah man, kingdom hearts is the ish.
genericusername555 has
I work in education. I have worked with first nation students of all ages. Each and everyone of my students came in with what others qualified as "a learning difficulty". I never believed it. I always believed they could learn and it was my job, as their teacher, to find out how.
Now I am a consultant. In some schools I visit, I hear the same speech again "these students have learning disabilities, they should be in a special class, they need assistance". To this, I still say that they don`t. What they need is this one person to help them find their own way of learning, someone who will have more than just one teaching style.
Not so long ago, a teacher invited me to teach one of her class. Her clientele has students with personalized education plan and tools. I prepared my lessons not knowing her kids very well, but knowing I had experience in being a mirror for kids like the ones she qualified. I tried many things during her class. It is later that same night that I received words from the mother of one of those "special kids". He had learned what I was teaching. In fact, he was able to explain it his own way. I did not use fancy tools or additional assistance. I just tried to teach him in various ways until he got it. I may not know 71 learning styles, but that day, I found the right one for that kid.
Thank you for the beautiful talk Scott.
That is an amazing story. I think every school need to change the learning environment with accommodations, because not every child is going to learn one way. It can definitely enlighten a child.
Right on. I was teaching Mindstorm robotics on a contract for Northern VA. schools a while back. At one school, I took the "misfit" group. It was work but they won after the 6 week project. Everyone was shocked but the "misfits" learned that they themselves could overcome. They simply needed encouragement and an approach that fit them.
Good story. My motto has always been very similar - don't modify their toolset, teach them how to utilize it.
@@stevemcc4447 no, they needed someone who CARED
By it's very nature a public school can't. It's not feasible to actually teach all 30+ students in the correct day-to-day for them. The only answer is unschooling, and requires parents to be responsible for their children. That won't happen.
This is one of the most impactful speeches I've heard on Ted Talks. I myself, have dyslexia and I was called stupid in school and that tends to make someone give up. Later in life I wanted to become an author, and by believing in myself I have written three books and I am working on two others. Scott, you are an inspiration and I am so glad you shared that with the world. I hope you read this, it really means alot to me just to tell you, thank you.
Gordan
So well said! We don't have difficulty learning they have difficulty teaching
Knowing and working with Scott personally for almost a decade, I can vouch for two things:
1. Yes, this is very authentic. This is a personal story that affects his life in a very big way.
2. If Scott has banned someone from his personal Facebook account, it is because they have expressed negative, threatening or attacking energy toward him. And he simply does not want it in his life. Yes, it may be simply an opinion, but those opinions can be expressed in other public forums.
I feel a bit protective of Coach, and thought I should say something. Great speech. Thank you Scott!
I deleted my original message because I thought about it and I do not want to promote negativity. Especially towards someone who inspired me and inspires others. He's doing a beautiful job. But I never asked anything with disrespect or any other type of aggression. I still think he is too sensitive and paranoid (maybe because of his past experiences). I agree that I do not have an automatic right to express myself in HIS facebook profile. But the banning of people with no explanation is a bad tendency he has. I was not aggressive. I can attest to this personally. It could have taken a few seconds of his time to explain, and I would have been perfectly okay with that. If you have a public face you must deal with different opinions. Banning someone at the slightest smell of dissent talks badly about you, I think. Also, idolizing and guruism have very negative effects in society. If you just ban someone to silence him, you look like a guru to me. Nobody is perfect. Nobody is as legendary as they want to paint themselves. And there is nothing wrong with being imperfect.
He certainly never misses any opportunity to mention his disabilities, does he?
Pick up any one of his fitness programs, it's all through them too
Hi @summer do you have references of where we can find all the learning styles he's talking about?
Please tell him that one of his old Ville martial arts club members just stumbled on this and is so proud of him. He was a super nice guy, I'm so touched he shared his story and I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments.
Absolutely love this presentation. Deserves millions of views.
i was moved and inspired having aspbergers, ADD, and right hemisphere learning disability. The night that I watched this I stayed up all night n taught myself chisenbop bc I am have only been able to do math by counting my fingers, but only knew or how to count to ten. otherwise I need calculator.
I share this video n watch almost every week for inspiration. I was 32 when I had been diagnosed, and was always told I was lazy or ditzy. I am far from this. I am an artist, and have a passion for neuroscience. I can listen to 12 hrs of medical journals in one day.
Mnemonics help me with vocabulary
This was so fantastic. I've seen young men in high school that I am 95% sure are dyslexic but have become labeled as behavioral problems and NO ONE has evaluated them because they are not educated, or trained to observe or evaluate. Colleges, Higher education do not prepare these teachers, counselors, school psychologist what dyslexic is all about and as a advocate for dyslexia I speak to share your story, and provide simulations to bring awareness. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can't imagine the courage it took to relive your past in order to share with others. God Bless. A sister dyslexic...
I come from a (dysfunctional, violent emotionally and physically) family of,geneses...I have this learning difference of dyslexia..its been a long journey and still even though I now work in a school that allows for difference I often see kids who feel lost by their not understanding their beautiful gifts...thanks for this amazing story...so much like my own.
5 Gold Medals for the US Team, that deserved a round of applause! This guy has achieved so much and has overcome so many hurdles. Very awesome talk.
Touches my heart. Did not have dyslexia but still some difficulties to learn and I found my own ways of learning later in life when I found things that I am passionate about
Awesome mate what did you find that you are passionate about?
What a beautiful but challenging life story and what a beautiful soul Scott Sonnon rising victoriously above it all, I truly love and respect what he has shared today, there are so many more that need to hear this especially schools , teachers and teaching facilities...bless his heart and the wisdom of his soul
Thank you! I need to learn to forgive family and teachers. I am angry at how poorly adults handled my growing up, and education.
this man is briliant for a man that was bullied beatan and said that he would be stupid who couldnt do anything
Ian Jamieson He is brilliant with no reserves. What a powerful talk.
Thanks for sharing you story with all of us who have been told we are stupid, lazy and will never amount to anything. Keep spreading this message!
One of the best TED talks yet.
I was one of those as well. I was born with aspergers and my young life was about learning (my way) and wanting to absorb all I can. I was stopped by my teachers and accused of mockery.
Thank you. You touched me.
Wonderful seminar in advanced cognitive psychology, Scott. Every educator, psychologist, psychiatrist, sociologist and economist should study this presentation. It should be required study for every parent.
Thx Scott. Its very rare when somebody has this combination of mastery and humbleness. Specially in the arena of Martial Arts. This makes the real warrior. Good luck!
Every parent and teacher and kid in the world should hear this talk by Scott. Life Changing. Seriously.
Scott I am a special education teacher and have been implementing the very core of what you shared. My very strength is what came out of my weakness as well. The flood of data you talked about happens too! If a student is not understanding something, I can superimpose myself into their frustration, feel it and then speak to it to find out how best to rewire. What I have discovered is all confusions stem from either not knowing which direction to see or hear something, the moments that follow get lost in translation, then fear steps in and confirms the misfeed. I honestly can't find teaching resources that back up what I am doing. You are the first person to actually put words to what I have been doing as I teach children to read as I work with kindergarten and first grade. So, thank you for sharing your experience. I am going to try to copy this talk to my work email and request that my fellow teachers watch it. Their is one little boy I work with that is going through the same experience you did and I am going to research more about what you shared. Maybe I can make a difference in his life so he doesn't replicate the one his mom and dad are presenting to him. Scott I do believe things happen for a reason, and I have been praying all day for an answer to my deepest beliefs about what I do as a teacher. Your talk was my answer to prayer. Thank you so very much.
Greasy McRibs Not everyone is the same. Has your special ed. teacher every gave enough shit to make a comment like this on youtube?
Greasy McRibs
Shouldn't you blame the people who designed the school system? These teachers do what they are told. They are taught to not give a shit. I agree with you that some are just pieces of shit, but not all of them. The lady above seems to actually care.
I have grown up with learning disabilities so I understand what you have gone through.
+Leon Kennedy give a kid a chance to learn something like Anthropology where it's a place that teaches empathy, respect, and values.
Mnemonics help me with vocabulary
I really get this. I was told I did not try hard enough at school...but I tried so dam hard, but I had learning difficulties. I left school and went on to qualify in several beauty houses as a beautician and learned psychology, iridiology and numerous other subjects. They were wrong.
Celeste, please see my comment above. This has really helped me to understand why some things are easy for me while others struggle, and vice versa.
Oh my gosh. Scott Sonnon, this is such an important message. I just wish i could talk with you. 10 years teaching within public school, 10 years plus martial arts, arts etc. This goes so deep. NWMA knows this. It connects to so much. Thank you. The rage at the injustice, the inability for others to comprehend, the labeling. It drives one mad until one transcends, or comes to terms with the conditions, the ignorance, the injustices and the dangers.
Wow! This video presentation is very deep. His troubled and traumatized childhood reminds me of my time when I was a child in "special ed." I too was misunderstood by my peers and my teachers. I too learned difference, and had a hard time with the teachers trying to accommodate my different way of learning.
He is right that people with learning differences have the highest incarceration rate, unemployment, and mental issues. I do have former classmates that are in that statistic era, and I am humbled and thankful that I was not a statistic. This really hit me home.
Brought tears to my eyes, Bless Scott & his amazing Mum!! very inspiring! xxx
A true hero!
Spread the word!
Thank you Scott Sonnon!
This man is really passionate.
I don't have any learning disability but I cried through the video. The emotional trauma that Scott had to go through in his childhood couldn't have been easy to cope with. It's a shame that many people feel it is insincere or overly dramatized. I think people who didn't have to deal with emotional trauma don't really understand how on the edge it can make people. Imagine being physically bullied, and being sent to an insane asylum. It can mess up anybody, especially a child who doesn't fit in.
We have all had to cope with emotional trauma !!!! Scott is a brilliant exercise specialist, so why is he putting on such an act. He doesn't need to target your emotions. He is flawless when he teaches, so we know this is all bullshit. Life is hard, but be real about it. When Scott speaks from his heart, then he will have my full attention, but this bullshit, Naah !
Dave Reid - Daly
Well, whatever you want to believe.. i guess.
Eva Luna
Its not what I believe, its what is true that counts, period !
Dave Reid - Daly Right! And what you think HAS to be TRUE!! lol
Dont add words to my statement, please !
WOW!!! that was a powerful speech, thank you Scott for being honest and vulnerable so we can understand and help others. Namaste
One of the best and my honest individuals I have ever met. His programs changed my entire outlook on workouts and life.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Scott Sonnon video. I too dyslexic, have learned these ways to protect myself.
I am glad you made it back in the water and I am grateful for you sharing your journey with us.
What a heartfelt story. I felt so bad about Scott's childhood, all that brutality at his early age. I am so happy to hear that he has been able to find his strength and skills while the system tries to keep us all in the same mold! I hope his story inspires lots of "different" people.
This touches the core of what I, myself, deal with day to day. Thank you.
Brave, sore, tormented and profound.
wow, that's so powerful! a must see for all parents and teachers, carers. i always thought all these labels of dyslexia etc were stupid. i'm glad i was right about that. 70 others learning styles...wow. everybody is different, unique - yes, they told us that, but nobody mentioned that there are 71 learning styles. please share this everywhere.
Thank you for this! I was also assaulted by a teacher - slapped across the face while in line with my class of 2nd grade peers. God bless you! Physical abuse shows up in birth charts. I’ve been assaulted a lot. It’s crazy how some people are never attacked while others are abused numerous times. I wholeheartedly agree we need to continue to reform our educational styles to meet the children. Instead of putting them all in a box. This includes adults too.
Super grateful for this talk. Thank you Scott Sonnon.
Your mother is freakin' awesome. I am so happy you had an advocate in your family who allowed you to reach your full potential.
Excellent and very helpful to father of two (2) daughters who contend with learning challenges.
Your Mom sounds like an Awesome Hero with that common sense transcended ignorance and conformity.
I have learning disability but my mum always give me negative and that’s why I’m not successful, always listen to mum. Scott you are very lucky .
Keep spreading your "genius" Scott! Thank you for your vulnerability and inspiration! You touched my life!
As a traditional learner, I found this absolutely fascinating and enlightening. What a brave and tenacious man! Thanks for teaching me!
Amazing talk and amazing recovery from that troubled childhood
Thank you so much for the courage and honesty you displayed. You are an inspiration for us all in your integrity, intelligence and compassion. Your emotions show you are truly a great man.
You're a hero Scott.
Thank you for what you said in this talk. It was powerful and moving. Especially for the mother of a brilliant dyslexic daughter who at only nine fears she is going to fail in school.
I cried through the whole video , wish you find peace and joy thanks for sharing 🌈
is is fantastic - thank you Scott for all your work and perseverance!
Great speech! It was so touching! Reminds me of when I was a child and I could look at math problems, even super complicated ones and automatically know the answers. My teachers said I wasn't doing it right and that I have to work out the answer the correct way. It's 1000x more confusing for me. I had my own ways of coming up with answers and I even showed them to the teachers on the board, but they didn't understand my method at all and told me in order to get full credit, I need to work out the answers the 'correct' ways. It was frustrating. Now that I learned the 'correct' way to do it and been using the method all these years, my brain forgets how to solve problems in the original method that I was born with. Thank you for sharing your amazing story!
Brave and important.
Blessings to you Scott.
Phenomenal video. Thank you from a mother who's experienced a very similar situation with my daughter who thank God, came out the other side.
Scott, You just described my school experience, failed most grades, beat up in the hallways, sent away to residential school for being disruptive. being told by the principle to quit school and stop wasting the school's time.
I have that same learning ability. Time slows down and I am able to have extreme focus. Like when im working time slows down a little bit so I am able to focus longer and think more efficiently
I thought I was the only person with that ability I remember riding the school bus to high school and I would be focusing so much that I would slow time and focus on counting the sheet metal squares on the top of the bus. It seemed as if the squares would all glowed in my mind.
Great stuff - been there! My HS counselor told me my IQ scored at 88. They wanted my in a special work program. They didn't know how preoccupied I was w/ violence at home and bullies at school. I've been working as an IT and business consultant for many years, for a US President and his family, many heads of State, and top executives; I developed the financial system to run a 140M budget for a critical government program, where the million dollar solution had failed. For too long I was sure I was stupid, and was on a path of total self-destruction - until something dramatic. At age 20, God touched my life. After that, I became convinced that nothing could stop me. I enrolled in college, got mostly straight A's through grad school, learned 3 languages, Greek, Hebrew, and Spanish. I learn differently, too, but I learn well and I'm not afraid to tackle a subject...because I know Jesus wants me to maximize myself for His purpose. So what's to stop me? Romans 8:31; 2Corinthians 5:17.
wow!!! thank you for perfectly describing what I have been trying to describe since being diagnosed in 4th grade. Although my story is somewhat different, my nephews story is so similar to yours that when I closed my eyes I saw him on that stage telling the story, he is still so young, 25, and is still struggling so much, that we all have felt helpless for years. Hearing you speak brought back some of that hope, THANK YOU!!! Unfortunately my daughter has inherited dyslexia as well, she is 11, and I have known since kindergarten that she has this, even if the school was reluctant to confirm or deny either way. They did, however, intervene and she has had an IEP since 1st grade. It is still a struggle, but she has been blessed with amazing teachers and tutors and resources that have always encouraged her... unlike the way I and my nephew, and 3/4 of my family on my mothers side, who were treated dispicably by the educational system in this country for generations... In my family on both sides, we have hit the proverbial "genetic/hereditary jackpot" when it comes to obscure, unknown, rare, misunderstood, under-treated, under-diagnosed, conditions. I can't help but attempt to make sense of all of them by creating probable/possible "most likely" connections between them. Research being something that I LOATHED as a student, as well as writing anything, AT ALL, EVER, has become somewhat of an adventure for me in my often incapacitated, physically limited state of existence. If anything, at least I gain SOME semblance of understanding of what is going on, and what the heck was up with me MY ENTIRE LIFE... AND along the way I may be able to help someone searching for answers, begging for information, or just in need of someone that says "Me too, I understand"!!! So thank you!!!! You are definitely reaching out and helping us to feel not so alone, not so hopeless!!!!
the most meaningful and influential fifteen minutes in 5 years :) Thanks Forever.
I love you Sir!
Thank you for your strength in sharing these things.. we are never alone. You are the teacher.. so much gratitude.
This is so thought provoking and, his voice is just.......captivating😱
Can I just give him a hug?
I can relate to his story.
what a powerful and moving talk! Every educator should watch this. I watched many of my friends and peers struggle at school as we grew up. The method of learning in schools wasnt innate to me, but i was with some extra effort able to use it. It also confused me how some kids seemed to glide through everything like a hot knife through butter, even when i knew i was more advanced than them at other developmental stuff.
Scott, we love you!
You help a lot of people. Thank you for your speech. It means a lot to me.
Wonderful speech. Thanks Scott. I hear you.
Ttocs Nonnos - that was truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and the lessons you've learned.
That was amazing to watch... It made me cry. What do teachers have to say about this? Adapting to several learning styles is a huge challenge to address in just 4 hours inside a classroom.
This is why I love TACFIT so much. At no point can anyone go "I can do this with a 35lb clubbell, I'm better than you!". Instead, we help each other by acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses and giving each other tips on what is working fo each other. A Gamma Cast for one person might be their fish climbing a tree, yet they might be a flying pirhana when it comes to leg threads.
So wonderful, so courageous.
watching this was heartbreaking . This was a great message
This was really touching and inspiring!!!
Amazing and powerful. Our educational approach sadly in most cases is one dimensional and said to be a 'one size fits all'. For him being disruptive in class; I recalled similar instances in primary and high school asking questions repetitively frustrating the Tutors until I was beaten down and ridiculed(ur stupid and attention seeker, etc). I couldn't understand a concept if I don't see it in my mind or visually presented.
However, Uni had a different method of teaching. Simply, you teach yourself, how wonderful and liberating for me. After graduating with engineering decrees I learned to forgive 'cause I realised most teachers on that time only had one tool. You know the cliche, 'if you only have a screw-driver every problems looks like a screw'. Yea, I was screwed a bit back then....:)
That is good that you had to learn how to forgive your teachers that didn't understand your different way of learning. I too had to learn how to forgive my teachers in the past, that did not understand my learning differences. It was very challenging, because I still have the scars and the trauma that they did to me when I was a child. It is a baby step.
I liked your speech very inspireing i can relate i have a learning disabilty and never give up i have worked on my job for 33 years and never settle for less but more go for your dreams in life. Glen Johnson
Thanks Scott.
Very touching and powerful talk. I would make a case we all learn differently but are forced to conform to the limited views of the teachers and authoritarians who prefer their convenience over optimising every child's potential. The difference is while most kids submit to the conditioning and the forceful conformity, some others arent as mouldable. They become outcasts, where the kids who conformed can now mimic the same authoritarian systems of teachers oppressing them, as catharsis.
We have a completely fucked up 'education' system. Its a true saying, 'dont let education interfere with your learning'.
i did bad in school. i hated it but i endured it. the bad thing though was my mother never understood about how unique my learning capabilities were.
then college came. i met various professors of different teaching styles. those that worked on me were the professors who barely came to class but only informed us of what to read for the next exams. for most of my classmates, they didn't like such professors because they said, "they were not teaching" and they cursed because they failed. it worked for me because i read stuff on my own without any people instructing me what to do. i was more focused. i discovered that my learning style is more of "home school". i aced all the so-called "lazy terror profs" and i was never any part of the "class mortality statistic". since then, when i enlisted myself in classes, i researched on all "terror profs" and enrolled in their classes.
i progressed my learning by looking for online schools instead of the conventional classroom ones. i got my lean 6 sigma belt online as well as other business certification courses. my work out is p90x which is also "at-your-own-pace" kind of work out. i started taking in work from home stuff because i really couldn't fit in a normal working setting.
kudos to scott at to people like me! i love swimming in the water!
You're like me, Kat. So nice to see someone like me so thank you for your comment. I also have found that online learning at my own pace is so much better for me, being told to be at some class at a specific time on specific days in the same boring not-stimulating classrooms... I just couldn't do it so I dropped out and now I am taking courses and certificate programs online :)
...proud if not envious. You and your mom are awesome! :)
Thanks for you're inspiring speech to al the children with these difficulties!
This man is incredible.
I can't stop Crying 😭 you are my Hero Mr #ScottSonnon
Brave man, beautiful story.
one of the best Ted talks that i have heard. i tried to turn it off, but my inside spidey sense would not allow it. thankfully i got the truth of listening to my voice that is uncanny in its ability to be 100 % correct.
thank you Scott for sharing your story/life with us dude. I'm already on Facebook sharing that love brother ! xie xie
Scott your Mom is great.
I really feel you. i wished my mom wasnt that cold like she was
planlos übertroffen my mother is the same way. cold, apathetic, never quite present. I feel you love I really do, nothing quite like the world being against you, which is almost tolerable but when your mother joins in it depresses the soul to almost nothing, fading away to ether. Stay strong, find your passion, help others be someone else's hero because you know all the feeling of needing one. Much love mate, cheers! Love from California
nuff love and respect.. thanks for having the courage to share..
So powerful! Thank you Scott for sharing!
Thank Scott!
Definitely one of my most favorite TED'S. ❤
Thank you Scott, This was a real blessing to watch and i too struggled at school, and was called a disruptive slow or dumb child, always punished with a cane or strap and made to stand outside or sit at back of a class ????:( , and had no support in helping my so called( learning disability)i actually don't like this label ?But guess we all need a tag :(, we would be put in lower ranked classes which i hated and got embarrassed about felt like i shouldn"t have been there, which produced us to be gang type arrangements where i lived in N.Z at the time, but even i would feel alone like i was different? and so Bullying also happened to me and i began to stick up for bullied friends and martial arts helped turn my life around from a life with no hope running and hiding not feeling strong or confident. Not having a father through my life i had to absorb all my beatings alone with no support or advice teachers had no time for me so i became a person who not only learnt one form of Martial arts, but in 2 years did 6 styles and a kickboxing bout that i won, then spent a life time challenging bouncers to street fights which i would hardly ever lose but then i flipped all that anger an aggression to a lifetime of sport on the ocean surfing and windsurfing solo till i found i could share my skills in teaching and sharing both martial arts ,sport and water sports . My resume is like a road map of America it is so complex as every 6 months i changed jobs now at nearly 53, i am learning about myself and brain and piecing it all together finally! thanks to good people like you friend:) you are truly inspiring! and after a few less inspiring videos? yours was the one i really related too :)you have been totally motivating for me to get to understand why i am the way i am :) if you ever want to head over here down under please visit and stay i have a successful hosting and water sports business and i want to raise awareness for others here about Dyslexia .God Bless Jon.
Thank you'
learning for some is just a different approach that others don't understand but thanks
to people like you Scott Sonnon their is light in the darkness to show some the path to follow towards enlightenment.
I doubt you'll ever read this.. but thank you for sharing your experiences. It resonated with me quite a bit.
Also, it's awesome to hear someone share about the flood of information. I have always found it practically impossible to be in a yoga, martial arts, dance, or virtually any class and move along with them. It's like verbal words don't make sense to me and what I comprehend is other people's nervous systems and tone of voice.
Thank you.
This is the best video I have seen in a very long time. I couldn't agree more!
I recognize myself in this, I understand
Thank you for this incredibly moving and important talk--I will be sharing this with my colleagues, friends and family.
Never heard anyone explain this like you have.. thank you
I'm autistic - Asperger's to be precise, and my own learning style doesn't conform. Even at 48 yrs old it still causes me serious problems. I watched this and despite the specifics of Scott's story being very different, his subjective experiences reflect my own. I long for a more tolerant world that embraces the talents of all rather than favouring only those with force of personality and conformity to the "norm". How much more could we have achieved as a species by now?
This is such a powerful message.
Scott your story is an inspiration - Thank you I am sharing on my page Mentally Gifted ...Your life story resonates with my soul...You are extraordinary !
You are certainly gifted in every way :)
Beautiful Speech
Great talk! It took great courage to tell that kind of story to perfect strangers.
The bit that touched me most was about Tachi-Psychia or time warp. I have experienced that a lot myself throughout my gymnastics career and sometimes in normal life too. The time warp for me happens in an emergency. Big falls in the gym or in traffic. Time just slows down for me and i get time to make decisions and even think on what to do while the actual emergency lasts no more than a second or maybe two. It is an amazing feeling.
The rest of the talk was also recognizable (although not as extreme as scotts story).
Curiosity is looked upon fondly when you are 3 or 4, maybe even 5, but as soon as you go to school curiosity is frowned upon. I kept asking question because i was never satisfied with the asnwers i got (things like; it is the way it is). But i managed to stay curious up to the present day, being 48 years young and i never intend to stop!!!
Wow! What a beautiful message!
I am Dyslexic but I found out about Scott Sonnon because of his work in fitness and martail arts. The way he just puts movement and ideas together very few people are on that level. The only ones I know of are him , Ido Portal (Fitness ambasidor), Sebastain Focon (parkour), Laird Halimilton (surfing) Sugar Ray Leanard (boxing) and the late great Bruce Lee. I KNOW VERY WELL HOW SCHOOL CAN AFFECT YOU IN A NEGITIVE FASHION NO ONE LIKES CRITISISIM AND BEING HELD BACK EINSTEIN , OLIVER REED, STEVE MCQUEEN AND LENNON ALL HAD MASSIVE TRAILS IN THEIR LIFE EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SUPER TALENTED. I CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND WHY HE BLOCKS NEGITIVE PEOPLE AS A PUBLIC FIGURE THE SAME REASON FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SECURITY GUARDS ITS SELF PROTECTION ITS HIS FACEBOOK PAGE AND HE CAN INTER ACT WITH WHO HE WANTS TO ITS ONLY A SOCIAL MEDIA SITE AT THE END OF THE DAY NOT A PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE THERE SAY