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. 2024 Oct;74(3):282-302.
doi: 10.1007/s11881-023-00295-3. Epub 2024 Jan 9.

Revisiting the definition of dyslexia

Hugh W Catts  1 , Nicole Patton Terry  2 , Christopher J Lonigan  2 , Donald L Compton  2 , Richard K Wagner  2 , Laura M Steacy  2 , Kelly Farquharson  2 , Yaacov Petscher  2
Affiliations

Revisiting the definition of dyslexia

Hugh W Catts et al. Ann Dyslexia. 2024 Oct.

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.

Keywords: Definition; Dyslexia; Exclusionary criteria; Multifactorial causal models; Reading disabilities.

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References

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