GCHQ Puzzle Highlights Importance of Dyslexic Thinking in National Security
In a unique collaboration with charity Made By Dyslexia, the UK intelligence agency GCHQ has unveiled a puzzle that not only challenges your problem-solving skills but also sheds light on the importance of Dyslexic Thinking in the realm of national security. The puzzle, launched to coincide with National Puzzle Day on January 29, aims to identify individuals with traits that align with successful intelligence work, such as those often found in people with dyslexia.
The challenge, crafted by GCHQ’s own puzzle experts, requires participants to exhibit skills like pattern recognition, lateral thinking, and focused problem-solving – all crucial abilities utilised by GCHQ staff in their daily efforts to safeguard the nation. The puzzle presents a wordsearch task with a cryptic clue: “There are two words to find in this word search. One of them is SECRET. The other is also secret, but in a different way…”
For more than a century, GCHQ has valued Dyslexic Thinking for its innovative and effective problem-solving approaches. The agency boasts a significant number of dyslexic and neurodiverse individuals within its workforce, leveraging their unique cognitive strengths, such as pattern recognition, holistic thinking, and analytical problem-solving skills. Dyslexic individuals process information in distinct ways, leading to the development of specialized neural pathways that facilitate skills like lateral thinking, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition.
The concept of Dyslexic Thinking is formally described as an approach to problem-solving, information assessment, and learning that incorporates pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, lateral thinking, and interpersonal communication – qualities that have become increasingly indispensable in today’s diverse job landscape. In fact, LinkedIn acknowledged Dyslexic Thinking as an official skill in 2022, underscoring its relevance and value across various professional sectors.
A report by Made By Dyslexia in 2024, dubbed Intelligence 5.0, emphasised the transformative impact of AI on intelligence operations, highlighting the critical role played by human attributes such as creativity, adaptability, and complex problem-solving – all hallmarks of Dyslexic Thinking – in addressing global challenges across industries. Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO of Made By Dyslexia, remarked, “GCHQ’s recognition of Dyslexic Thinking as ‘mission-critical’ underscores the inherent strength of dyslexia as an asset rather than a hindrance.”
An analyst at GCHQ, known as “Charlotte,” shared insights into the advantages of Dyslexic Thinking in her role, stating, “My dyslexia enables me to perceive overarching patterns and identify subtle connections that may escape others. My problem-solving approach is undoubtedly distinctive.” By harnessing the diverse perspectives and cognitive styles of individuals with dyslexia, GCHQ continues to enhance its operational effectiveness and innovation in addressing complex security challenges.
In conclusion, the collaboration between GCHQ and Made By Dyslexia serves as a testament to the power of inclusive thinking and diverse cognitive approaches in enhancing national security efforts. By embracing and valuing Dyslexic Thinking, organisations like GCHQ are not only fostering a more inclusive workplace but also unlocking innovative solutions to safeguard our collective well-being and prosperity.