In search of a consensus: Why the assessment and diagnosis of dyslexia continue to be problematic

Prof Joe Elliott & Dr Johny Daniel, Durham University

Abstract

A recent Delphi expert study of the nature of dyslexia, and how it should be assessed, has reported a consensus that is gaining significant attention in research and practitioner circles. Noting that the experts who participated in this work appeared not to include publicly funded educational psychologists (EPs), we undertook a national survey of EPs using the same items as employed in the final round of the original study. While results initially seemed very similar, with one significant exception, closer scrutiny of the data, together with participant written feedback demonstrated significant concerns about the methodology and the conclusions reached. We will outline these concerns and explain why the Delphi recommendations fail to address the primary weakness of current diagnostic approaches.

Joining Online
This event will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend online, please contact ed.research@durham.ac.uk to request the Teams link.