Kelly Clarkson, one of America’s two reigning talk show host queens (the other being, of course, Drew Barrymore) was moved to tears by a very sweet Henry Winkler this week, after she revealed her daughter has been bullied at school for being dyslexic.
The Barry actor, 77, also has dyslexia and has authored 30 children’s books—something that means a lot to Clarkson when talking to her daughter.
“I was driving my daughter to school yesterday, and she’s dyslexic,” Clarkson shared with Winkler. “And you have told me that you’re dyslexic as well. I find that amazing, to tell my daughter that you’ve written like 40 books and you’re dyslexic.”
@etalkctv Kelly Clarkson got emotional over Henry Winkler’s advice for her daughter who is getting bullied at school for being dyslexic.
The ‘Barry’ actor and author, who is also dyslexic, had some powerful words for 8-year-old River Rose.
How do you feel about his heartfelt advice? (
: YT/The Kelly Clarkson Show) #TheKellyClarksonShow #HenryWinkler #dyslexia #dyslexic #Barry
She said her daughter, River Rose, 8, is “getting bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids.”
Winkler told her that 1 in 5 children is diagnosed with dyslexia and that River was now “part of the tribe.” He looked at the camera and directed his attention right at Clarkson’s daughter and said, “River! How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are.”
Is it dusty in here? Whew. Kelly Clarkson isn’t the only one tearing up around here.
Related: What you need to know about parenting a child with dyslexia
According to research published by Yale University, dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80–90 percent of all those with learning disabilities. It’s also the most common of all neuro-cognitive disorders. Dyslexia occurs at all levels of intelligence—average, above average and highly gifted. Many gifted people at the top of their fields are dyslexic. While people with dyslexia are slow readers, they often are very fast and creative thinkers.
While there is no “cure” for dyslexia, early screening, early diagnosis, early evidence-based reading intervention and appropriate accommodations, dyslexic individuals can become highly successful students and adults. Look no further than Henry Winkler!
Related: Kelly Clarkson says her kids wish ‘mommy and daddy were in the same house’
Clarkson has often been open about her parenting experience as a single mom trying to navigate life with her kids post-divorce. She says she always checks in with them about what they’re experiencing.
“I think [it’s important to be] communicating with them and … not treating them like an adult, because they’re not, but not treating them like a child,” Clarkson said in an interview last month. “They’re not small feelings. Those are huge feelings, and those are huge emotions.”