Despite decades of research, misconceptions about developmental dyslexia remain widespread among those responsible for identifying and supporting affected children. Identifying the nature and persistence of these beliefs is essential to improving practice and policy. We conducted a scoping review to map the understanding of developmental dyslexia among teachers, parents and clinicians by identifying their beliefs about its features and interventions. The review included 95 studies on dyslexia features and 56 studies on dyslexia intervention. Thematic analyses identified several accurate beliefs (n = 17) across stakeholder groups (e.g., dyslexia is a neurological condition, early intervention is important) as well as false beliefs (n = 4) and partially correct beliefs (n = 18; e.g., dyslexia is a visual problem, dyslexia can be outgrown). Statistical analyses showed no significant differences in the prevalence of false beliefs between teachers, parents and clinicians. The findings suggest that misconceptions are rooted in the progressive scientific landscape of dyslexia research, highlighting the need for targeted professional development, improved dissemination of evidence-based practices and further research to address gaps in understanding and practice.

Holden et al. (2025) conducted a Delphi study to establish consensus on how to define, identify, and assess dyslexia, with the definitional component primarily reported by Carroll et al. (2025). Although Holden et al. aim to provide guidance for practitioners, we have concerns about the study's methodology, the reinforcement of IQ testing and discrepancy-based approaches, a focus on cognitive processing difficulties, and an over-reliance on clinical judgement. We argue that their approach ultimately complicates rather than clarifies dyslexia assessment and introduces barriers to equitable identification and intervention. Instead, we advocate for an approach that prioritises direct evaluation of word reading accuracy and fluency difficulties, eliminating reliance on cognitive assessments, family history, and response to instruction as diagnostic criteria.

Research on dyslexia in children has largely focused on languages with deep orthography, limiting its applicability to transparent orthographies like Bosnian. This study examined handwriting characteristics in children with dyslexia, comparing them to a control group of typically developing children (CA) and a spelling level-matched group (SL). A range of tasks was used, varying from basic motor and graphomotor skills (e.g., writing names) to higher-level cognitive tasks (e.g., writing the alphabet). Dictation of isolated words was included to analyse the relationship between temporal handwriting features and spelling accuracy. Writing durations for real words, nonwords, and pseudowords were compared to identify cognitive strategies used by children with dyslexia. Results showed that children with dyslexia had significantly longer writing durations, slower pen speeds, more frequent and longer pauses, and fewer correctly written letters than both CA and SL groups. In the dictation task, they performed worse than the CA group across all word types. During text writing, they paused more often, especially between words. These findings offer important insights into the handwriting challenges faced by children with dyslexia in transparent orthographic systems and highlight the need for tailored support.

Dyslexia remains a struggle even among university students. This study aimed to better describe the profiles of college students with dyslexia using a multi-step screening process. The process included a phone screening interview, a developmental and family history questionnaire, and norm-referenced tests to identify students with phonological processing and word-level reading fluency deficits consistent with extant data on college students and adults with dyslexia. Eighty-two university students responded to our questionnaire, and 71 completed a battery of standardised tests including word-level reading and decoding, phonological processing measures, and cognitive tasks. Over 81% of the participants demonstrated deficits in word-level reading fluency, and 98% showed deficits in rapid automatized naming (RAN). Conversely, phonological awareness and phonological memory deficits were less commonly observed. The overwhelming majority of students reported a history of learning difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, or math. Additionally, the majority had a positive family history of language learning difficulties. This process of identifying college students with dyslexia and the profiles of their strengths and weaknesses supports a multifaceted approach to diagnosing dyslexia. These insights should provide guidelines for clinicians and educators seeking to identify and support college students with dyslexia.

The multi-deficit framework employed to identify dyslexia requires statistical learning-based models to account for the complex interplay of cognitive skills. Traditional methods often rely on simplistic statistical techniques, which may fail to capture the heterogeneity inherent in dyslexia. This study introduces a model-based clustering framework, employing finite mixtures of contaminated Gaussian distributions, to better understand and classify dyslexia. Using data from a cohort of 122 children in Poland, including 51 diagnosed with dyslexia, we explore the effectiveness of this method in distinguishing between dyslexic and control groups. Our approach integrates variable selection techniques to identify clinically relevant cognitive skills while addressing issues of outliers and redundant variables. Results demonstrate the superiority of multivariate finite mixture models, achieving high accuracy in clustering and revealing the importance of specific variables such as Reading, Phonology, and Rapid Automatized Naming. This study emphasises the value of the multiple-deficit model and robust statistical techniques in advancing the diagnosis and understanding of dyslexia.

We investigated the stability of word reading and/or spelling deficits in children from Sweden (N = 170) and the U.S. (N = 452) from the end of Grade 1 to Grade 2 and from Grade 2 to Grade 4. Children were assessed for reading fluency and spelling accuracy and classified into subtypes with isolated reading deficits (RD), isolated spelling deficits (SD) or combined deficits (RSD). Stability was assessed using cross-tabulations and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. The RSD subtype showed moderate to high stability across grades, whilst RD and especially SD were significantly less stable. These patterns held across orthographies. Although single-timepoint identification of isolated deficits may justify monitoring and support, our findings suggest limited predictive value for long-term persistence. This challenges prior assumptions about the stability of dissociative profiles and underscores that most children with literacy difficulties experience challenges in both the accuracy and efficiency of accessing phonological and orthographic representations. The results have implications for theoretical models of literacy development and for designing interventions targeting early reading and spelling difficulties.

Previous studies have demonstrated how an executive functions-based reading training was related to improved reading and executive function abilities as well as changes in neural circuits underlying these abilities in children with reading disabilities and in typical readers. The executive components of this programme include visual attention, initiation, shifting/inhibition, speed of processing and working memory. Whether and which executive functions moderate these reading and cognitive effects in the short and long term remain elusive. This study aimed at assessing the short-term (immediately after) and long-term (3 months post-training) outcomes of a previously described computerised executive function-based reading training. Executive functions, speed of processing and visual attention were assessed pre/post-training, and reading abilities were assessed pre-, post- and long post-training in 41 children aged 8-12 (18 typical readers, 23 children with reading disabilities). The intervention improved reading fluency and word decoding in both reading groups, and the performance gain remained significant 3 months after the intervention. Moreover, improvements in speed of processing, inhibition and initiation post-training were found to be significant moderators of long-term reading improvement. Results suggest that individuals showing greater improvement in executive functions following reading training with an imposed time constraint show the greatest improvement in long-term reading gains.

There is an abundance of literature on specific learning disabilities (SLDs), but it is mainly focused on young students (primary, middle, and high school). Further investigations on study strategies among undergraduates with SLDs are needed. The present research focused on the efficacy of a training course on study strategies tailored to students with SLDs. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of this training course on a sample of 136 Italian undergraduates with SLDs (46 males and 90 females; M = 20.46 SD = 1.60) who attended different types of undergraduate courses: 27.94% humanistic courses, 42.65% scientific courses, and 29.41% healthcare courses. The present findings highlight significant improvement in students' beliefs (in terms of their intelligence, personality, and abilities). Additionally, as students enhance their knowledge and use of strategies, they become more resilient, and their anxiety level decreases. Finally, positive outcomes were observed in their performance on a study task and in their academic performance.

This study investigated Theory of Mind (ToM) in Chinese children with and without dyslexia and examined the moderating effect of early picture book reading experience on the relationship between ToM and reading comprehension. Grounded in the Landscape Model of Reading, we compared ToM between groups and explored how early literacy experiences influence reading comprehension. In total, 86 Chinese children, including 44 with dyslexia and 42 typically developing, were recruited for this study. Results revealed that typically developing children outperformed those with dyslexia in ToM tasks (η  = 0.86). Early picture book reading experience significantly moderated the relationship between ToM and reading comprehension for children with dyslexia (β = 0.03, p < 0.05), but not for typically developing children. Notably, the moderating effect of picture book reading was significant only for children with dyslexia who had richer early literacy experiences. On the contrary, this moderation effect was not observed in typically developing children. The study contributes to our understanding of the universal and language-specific factors influencing reading development and suggests targeted interventions for children with dyslexia in Chinese-speaking populations.

Children with dyslexia have persistent and well-characterised reading difficulties but may also have less well-known socio-emotional abilities. Socio-emotional abilities in dyslexia could be leveraged in remediation efforts to improve outcomes, including resilience. Our aim was to characterise these socio-emotional abilities from parents' perspectives, to inform strength-based curricula. We analysed 97 parent responses to an open-ended question on the behavioural and emotional strengths of their child with dyslexia using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. We identified five themes, including: (1) social skills, (2) positivity, (3) reliability, (4) determination and (5) creativity. Subthemes indicated children with dyslexia had particular strengths in prosocial behaviour, empathy, optimism, conscientiousness and originality. The frequency of reported strengths was variable, with rarer descriptions of creativity alongside widespread social skills. Our findings suggest that dyslexia may be associated with previously overlooked socio-emotional strengths which could be harnessed in remediation efforts to improve outcomes by reducing stigma and fostering resilience and self-esteem.

Dyslexia is one of the most common language-based learning disabilities. Teaching a second language (L2) to dyslexic students is still a contested issue among educators. Teachers' knowledge and beliefs about dyslexia play an important role in the successful inclusion of these students in L2 classrooms. The current study investigated the knowledge and beliefs of Turkish second language teachers (SLTs) about dyslexia. Data were collected from 150 participants using the Knowledge and Beliefs About Developmental Dyslexia Scale (KBDDS). The findings revealed that Turkish SLTs possess a moderate level of knowledge about dyslexia, with notable strengths in understanding the need for individualised instruction and rejecting common myths, such as the belief that dyslexia is linked to laziness or low intelligence. However, several misconceptions persist, including the belief that dyslexia primarily results from visual processing issues. Female teachers and those with less than 11 years of teaching experience demonstrated significantly higher levels of knowledge. The study highlights the need for targeted professional development that builds on teachers' existing strengths while addressing areas of misunderstanding. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of teacher knowledge on dyslexic students' learning outcomes in L2 classrooms.

Targeting research towards areas that matter to dyslexic people and their families is essential for improving dyslexic people's lives. However, we do not know what the dyslexia community's research priorities are and whether they align with current research funding. We categorised previous funding for dyslexia research in the United Kingdom and considered how this aligns with community research priorities, using multiple methods and a participatory approach. We identified that the vast majority (78%) of funding has been spent on research into biology, brain and cognition. Through seven focus groups (n = 37), dyslexic adults and/or family members/carers of dyslexic children expressed that this balance needs redressing, and we identified four important areas for future research, informed by lived experiences. Finally, 436 members of the dyslexia community ranked the importance of research topics in a survey. The top five priorities related to training teachers and professionals, educational supports and interventions, mental health and self-esteem, making services and spaces more inclusive and cognition. Research into genes and risk factors was less prioritised. These results provide a point of reference for researchers and funders to align future research funding with the dyslexia community's priorities so that it can be of translational benefit.

In this study, we present an analysis of interviews with parents and teachers in order to understand the lived experience of families and teachers trying to support children with written language difficulties. Within these accounts, the value of a dyslexia diagnosis is examined in practice. Nineteen parents and 20 educators were interviewed, including four parents who completed additional interviews 4 years after their original accounts. Our analysis indicated that dyslexia is rendered largely invisible in our sample of English schools, with staff frequently reluctant to fully acknowledge it. The analysis suggests mechanisms that appear to underpin successful support or harm to students. An important feature was the role and recognition of diagnosis in increasing the visibility of children's needs. Without recognition and understanding, support was inconsistent and ineffectual.

Previous research suggests that dyslexic university students are unlikely to experience significant co-occurring motor or balance difficulties and may represent instances of 'pure' dyslexia. However, the motor and balance measures used in previous studies have been limited in scope. The primary aim of the present study was to capture a wider profile of the motor and balance difficulties experienced by dyslexic students. A group of 24 university students with dyslexia were matched on age and IQ to a group of 28 students without dyslexia. Both groups completed standardised tests of reading efficiency, IQ, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, as well as standardised motor and balance tests and a clinical procedure for primary reflex persistence. The dyslexia group had significant reading efficiency and inattention problems, as well as significantly more difficulties on specific tests of balance and primary reflex persistence. Regression analyses revealed that inattention, balance, and primary reflex persistence were unique predictors of reading efficiency. An individual profile analysis also revealed that 75% of the dyslexic students experienced at least one type of significant motor/balance difficulty (lowest 5 percentiles) relative to their peers. The findings suggest that levels of motor/balance problems in university students with dyslexia have been underestimated in previous research.

Many studies have investigated face processing abilities in developmental dyslexia (DD) while conflicting evidence of both impaired and intact face processing has been reported. A systematic meta-analysis was conducted on the topic of the face processing abilities of DD. A total of 15 studies (34 effect sizes) were identified, representing data from 311 individuals with DD and 336 typically developing controls. A random-effects robust variance estimation model was used to synthesise the data. The average weighted standardised mean difference (Hedges' g) was 0.51 (95% confidence interval [0.24, 0.79], p = 0.001). A moderate level of heterogeneity was found while no publication bias was found between study-level effect sizes. Explorative meta-regression analyses showed that age, gender, and task type were not significant moderating factors. The results indicate that individuals with DD have face processing deficits compared with controls, suggesting domain-general deficits in DD and part of shared cognitive mechanisms underlying face and word processing.

Although children who grow up in a low socioeconomic situation present deficits in literacy skills, the present research aimed to shed light on the skills they possess and how detecting them can help improve their development. A total of 439 children were analysed for their literacy skills, learning potential in reading- and writing-related skills as determined by dynamic assessment methodology, and behaviour during the test situation. Participants belonged to three groups: children with socioeconomic disadvantage, children with literacy difficulties and children with typical development. Results showed that children with socioeconomic disadvantage and those with literacy difficulties showed similar results in traditional reading and writing tests. Nonetheless, children with socioeconomic disadvantage showed higher learning potential in these skills than children with literacy difficulties. This result supports the accuracy of dynamic assessment for classification. In addition, the behavioural profile in a test situation differed between the groups. The study conclusions relate to the importance of developing intervention programmes in reading and writing skills for children at risk of learning difficulties, considering not only their initial level but also their learning potential and behavioural profiles.

The study examined the effects of an emotional intelligence training programme on improving the English reading performance of university students with dyslexia risk in China. It is an experimental study with mixed-research methods. A total of 61 students with dyslexia risk were selected as an experimental group and a control group. The two groups were taught by the same English teacher using the same method. In addition, learners in the experimental group received emotional intelligence training. After 21 weeks, the research team investigated learners' English reading performance and emotional intelligence. The analysis results revealed that the mean scores for emotional intelligence (67.00 vs. 63.77, p = 0.004 < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.764, medium effect) and English reading performance (86.97 vs. 84.55, p = 0.002 < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.832, large effect) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The study uncovered that an English training programme embedded with an emotional intelligence training program promotes the English reading performance of learners with dyslexia risk significantly higher than a pure English training programme, and training EI is a potential way to improve the English reading performance of learners with dyslexia risk.

Difficulties in both duration and beat-based time perception are common in individuals with dyslexia (DD). It is also known that internalised beat cues may aid in duration processing. This study investigated whether the difficulties in duration processing among DD stem from their inability to utilise internal beat cues. Participants with and without dyslexia estimated intervals ranging from 500 ms to 10 s. In the beat cue condition, participants listened to a sequence of 500 ms beats before the interval, and in the no beat cue condition, they were exposed to silence while EEG was recorded. Interestingly, the two groups did not differ in duration estimation performance, but they did differ in their utilisation of beat cues, with DD showing less sensitivity to these, whether the impact was negative (cues before shorter intervals) or positive (before longer intervals). Brainwave entrainment to the target frequency was significantly higher compared with entrainment to a non-target frequency, and cross-group differences were null. Our findings suggest that DD may have difficulties either in retaining the beat when it is no longer audible, or in using the internalised beat for duration estimation. Nevertheless, they can achieve comparable accuracy to neurotypical adults, possibly through compensatory strategies.

This paper discusses the findings of a Delphi study in which dyslexia experts, including academics, specialist teachers, educational psychologists, and individuals with dyslexia, were asked for their agreement with a set of key statements about defining and identifying dyslexia: why it should be assessed and how and when this assessment should be conducted. Two rounds of survey responses provided a vehicle for moving towards consensus on how to assess for dyslexia. Forty-two consensus statements were ultimately accepted. Findings suggested that assessment practice should take account of risks to the accurate identification of dyslexia. An assessment model, with guidelines for assessors, is presented, based on the Delphi's findings. This hypothesis-testing model requires assessors to investigate and weigh up the factors most likely to result in an accurate assessment before reaching conclusions, assigning terminology, and making recommendations for intervention and management.

In Australia, a broad range of terms are used when discussing children and young people with a specific learning disorder (SLD). However, little is known about how SLD-related terminology is perceived by adults with an SLD, parents of children with an SLD and the professionals who support them. The purpose of this study was to identify any SLD-related preferred terms and explore factors which may influence these preferences. Data were collected from 177 participants via an online survey which asked them to rate how much they liked each term from a provided list and why. Results showed that clear language preferences do exist amongst dyslexic adults, parents and professionals, with dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia, dyslexic/dysgraphic/dyscalculic, person with dyslexia/dysgraphia/ dyscalculia and challenges being the most liked terms whilst learning disability, learning disabled, impairment, deficit, weakness and person with a learning disability were amongst the least liked terms. A narrative synthesis revealed that participants' language preferences are largely dependent on the context and intent of communication, generating six key themes. This research offers clear implications on how society embraces strengths and diversity, including language use, and the impact this can have on individuals with SLDs.

Previous studies have suggested that adults with dyslexia do not enjoy reading, based on data from trait-based questionnaires. This study uses state-based measures of reading to offer greater insight into different aspects of motivation, including liking and wanting. In a new paradigm sensitive to dynamic changes in reading enjoyment, adults with dyslexia (n = 59) and without dyslexia (n = 59) read 24 book extracts, rated their enjoyment and answered a question about the extract. Subsequently, participants decided whether to accept a cost (e.g., 3-6 s wait) to read the next paragraph. We also collected traditional trait-based measures of enjoyment. While neurotypical adults had higher trait-based reading enjoyment, average state-based reading enjoyment did not differ between groups. The relationship between high enjoyment states and subsequent benefits was altered in dyslexia. While heightened states of enjoyment increased the likelihood of continuing to read, this was attenuated in adults with dyslexia. In neurotypical adults, high states of enjoyment increased the likelihood of answering the question about the text correctly; this relationship did not hold in adults with dyslexia. Our findings shed light on how links between intrinsic value and subsequent motivation are altered in adults with dyslexia, suggesting that reading enjoyment can drive reading engagement but not comprehension.