1
|
Elliott JG, Grigorenko EL. Dyslexia in the twenty-first century: a commentary on the IDA definition of dyslexia. ANNALS OF DYSLEXIA 2024:10.1007/s11881-024-00311-0. [PMID: 38877329 DOI: 10.1007/s11881-024-00311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
In offering a commentary upon the IDA definition, we address its main components in turn. While each is technically accurate, we argue that, when taken together, the definition, or more accurately, the use to which it is often put, becomes problematic. We outline different current conceptions of dyslexia and conclude that the operationalisation of the definition for diagnostic purposes often results in scientifically questionable diagnoses and inadvertently leads to significant educational inequity. We propose a simpler definition that describes the primary difficulty, avoids reference to causal explanation, unexpectedness, and secondary outcomes, and redirects practitioner and policymaker focus to the importance of addressing and meeting the needs of all struggling readers.
Collapse
|
2
|
Catts HW, Terry NP, Lonigan CJ, Compton DL, Wagner RK, Steacy LM, Farquharson K, Petscher Y. Revisiting the definition of dyslexia. ANNALS OF DYSLEXIA 2024:10.1007/s11881-023-00295-3. [PMID: 38194056 DOI: 10.1007/s11881-023-00295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The International Dyslexia Association definition of dyslexia was updated 20 years ago and has been referenced frequently in research and practice. In this paper, researchers from the Florida Center for Reading Research consider the components of the definition and make recommendations for revisions. These include recognizing the persistence of word-reading, decoding, and spelling difficulties, acknowledging the multifactorial causal basis of dyslexia, clarifying exclusionary factors, and denoting comorbidity with other developmental disorders. It is also suggested that the academic and psychosocial consequences of dyslexia be highlighted to reinforce a preventive service delivery model. Lastly, the inclusion of dyslexia within a specific learning disability category is supported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh W Catts
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA.
| | - Nicole Patton Terry
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Christopher J Lonigan
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Donald L Compton
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Richard K Wagner
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Laura M Steacy
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Kelly Farquharson
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - Yaacov Petscher
- Florida Center for Reading Research, Florida State University, 2010 Levy Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| |
Collapse
|