The Dyslexia Debate

Julian G. Elliott, Durham University
Elena L. Grigorenko, Yale University
Synopsis:
The Dyslexia Debate examines how we use the term “dyslexia” and questions its efficacy as a diagnosis. While many believe that a diagnosis of dyslexia will shed light on a reader's struggles and help identify the best form of intervention, Julian G. Elliott and Elena L. Grigorenko show that it adds little value. In fact, our problematic interpretation of the term could prove to be a major disservice to many children with difficulties learning to read. This book outlines in detail the diverse ways in which reading problems have been conceptualized and operationalized. Elliott and Grigorenko consider the latest research in cognitive science, genetics, and neuroscience, and the limitations of these fields in terms of professional action. They then provide a more helpful, scientifically rigorous way to describe the various types of reading difficulties and discuss empirically supported forms of intervention.
Contents:
Preface: Foreword by Frank Vellutino
1. What is dyslexia?
2. Explanations at the cognitive level
3. The neurobiological bases of reading disability
4. Assessment and intervention
5. Conclusions and recommendations
Key Features:
- Taps into a topic of significant interest to a very large number of people across the world
- Draws upon a complex scientific literature that has often proven to be inaccessible to non-specialists
- Is unique in drawing upon expertise in genetics, neuroscience, cognitive science and education to demonstrate the limitations of the dyslexia construct
Advance Praise:
“Every decade or two, a book will emerge that is able to synthesize the past and present research on dyslexia in such a way that the future of where we need to go next is illumined and propelled. The Dyslexia Debate is such a book. Elliott and Grigorenko have provided a breadth of topics and a depth of coverage to the complex issues surrounding dyslexia that should be read by researcher, practitioner, and parent. After reading their book, I feel enriched in all three categories.”
Maryanne Wolf, John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development, Director, Center for Reading and Language Research Miller Hall Tufts University
“No term has so impeded the scientific study of reading, as well as the public’s understanding of reading disability, as the term dyslexia. The retiring of the word is long overdue. Elliott and Grigorenko provide an impressive review of the evidence on why this is the case. I highly recommend the book for reading practitioners.”
Keith E. Stanovich, Professor of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
“Difficulties in acquiring fluent reading skill are seen in large numbers of children in all languages and reading disability constitutes a significant educational and societal challenge. Over the last several decades there has been an explosion in multi-disciplinary research on the genetic, neurobiological, and cognitive bases of reading disability, and while there has been much progress in each domain, definitional (and theoretical) consensus remains elusive. In this beautifully crafted book, Elliott and Grigorenko, provide a sober and scholarly introduction to definitional debates and the ways in which emerging research on gene-brain-behavior pathways in reading disability might inform these debates. In my view, it is a must read for researchers, clinicians and educators looking to gain access to the current state of the art.”
Ken Pugh President and Director of Research, Senior Scientist, Haskins Laboratories, CT,Professor, Dept. of Psychology, University of Connecticut - Associate Professor, Dept. of Linguistics, Yale University Associate Professor, Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine Director, Yale Reading Center
“This is a thought-provoking book that rigorously examines the scientific evidence and ends up challenging many assumptions about the concept of dyslexia. Elliott and Grigorenko do not wish to deny the reality of children’s reading difficulties, but they do cast doubt on the usefulness and validity of our current diagnostic constructs. Essential reading for anyone interested in neurodevelopmental disorders.”
Dorothy Bishop, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Oxford
“This book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of all aspects of dyslexia. The assessment and intervention chapter is particularly important for parents, educators, and policy makers. A tour de force!”
Gordon F. Sherman, Executive Director, The Newgrange and Laurel Schools, Princeton, NJ
“This book represents a significant contribution in the field towards addressing key issues that underlie dyslexia. Expert insights are provided on issues related to assessment and intervention. Particularly insightful is the authors’ examination of the role of cognition in the classification and intervention process. In general, the book more than succeeds in a quest to address several complexities related to the construct of dyslexia.”
H. Lee Swanson, Distinguished Professor & Peloy Chair, University of California-Riverside.
Events and Information:
The Dyslexia Debate: Research Briefing (Briefing)
The Dyslexia Debate: Book Launch Conferences April 22/23/24, 2014 (Conferences)
Conference: The End of Dyslexia in Higher Education? May 7, 2014 (Advert)
Media Coverage:
Times Education Supplement:
Scrap the term "dyslexia" says educational psychologist
Is dyslexia a middle class badge for illiteracy
Times Higher Education
Is it time to rethink dyslexia? (article written by Profession Elliott) and quoted in a THE report on Dyslexia
Daily Mail
Dyslexia is NOT a disease. It is an excuse for bad teachers – opinion piece by Peter Hitchens
Daily Telegraph
Dyslexia may not exist, warn academics
The Independent
Dyslexia a “meaningless label”
The Metro
Ban Dyslexia – it’s a meaningless label
NATIONAL TELEVISION
BBC Breakfast
Professor Elliott appeared on BBC Breakfast with Dr Kate Saunders, Chief Executive of the British Dyslexia Association.
ITV Daybreak
Lorraine Kelly discussed Professor Elliott’s research with Andrew Pierce from the Daily Mail as part of their review of the papers. Professor Elliott appeared at 0735 – link to the dyslexia debate on ITV Daybreak.
BBC News at Six
Professor Elliott was interviewed by Danny Savage
BBC News 24
The Dyslexia Debate – includes an interview with Professor Elliott
BBC World Service
Dyslexia term should be dropped new book argues
ITV News
Dyslexia terms should be scrapped say experts
Sky News
Toyah Wilcox and Eamonn Holmes discuss Durham University’s research
NATIONAL RADIO
BBC Radio 4 PM Programme
Reporter Andrew Bomford reports on his visit to a school in Middlesborough with Professor Elliott
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast
Dyslexia : helpful diagnosis or unhelpful label
BBC Radio Scotland Morning Call
Professor Elliott appeared on a live phone-in debate to discuss dyslexia
Capital FM
Education experts query dyslexia diagnosis
REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS
The Northern Echo
Durham academics say the term dyslexia should be abandoned
Students slam calls for dyslexia to be scrapped
Durham Times
Debate over use of term ‘dyslexia’
Western Daily Press
The term “dyslexia” should be ditched say educational experts
Express and Star
Debate over use of term 'dyslexia'
The Courier
Debate over use of term 'dyslexia'
The Sunday Post
Debate over use of term ‘dyslexia’
Hampshire Chronicle
Debate over use of term 'dyslexia'
Sheffield Star
Debate over use of term dyslexia
Wiltshire Times
Debate over use of term dyslexia
Yorkshire Post
The Journal
Durham book authors say the term 'dyslexia' should be abandoned
Palatinate (Durham University student newspaper)
Durham academic holds launch for groundbreaking book on Dyslexia
REGIONAL TELEVISION
ITV Tyne Tees News
Professor Elliott was interviewed about the Dyslexia Debate, and his book was discussed during a studio panel discussion.
REGIONAL RADIO
BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE (BY COUNTRY)
Australia
Mamamia
Academics say dyslexia “may not exist”
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Dyslexia – or just going through a bad spell?
Belgium
Goed Gevoel
"Dyslexie is een banaal label dat geschrapt moet worden"
HLN.be
"Dyslexie is een banaal label dat geschrapt moet worden"
De Morgen.be
"Dyslexie is een banaal label dat geschrapt moet worden"
Canada
CTV News
Children shouldn't be labelled 'dyslexic,' researchers argue in controversial new book
CBC News
Dyslexia diagnosis 'meaningless', according to new book
The Netherlands
De Telegraaf
Poland
Fakty - Interia.pl
Naukowcy: Dysleksja to wygodna etykietka. Takie schorzenie nie istnieje
Stooq
Brytyjczycy spierajÄ… siÄ™ o dysleksjÄ™
Russia
Voice of Russia
War of Words Over Existence of Dyslexia
VoR Debate: Dyslexia – a meaningless term?
South Africa
iol.za
Dyslexia is a useless term, says professor
United States
CBS (Denver) News
Experts from Yale and Durham say the term Dyslexia is unscientific
Fox News
Dyslexia is a meaningless term
Forbes
'Dyslexia' Is A Meaningless Label And Should Be Ditched
Buzzfeed
Dyslexia May Not Exist, Says Researchers At Yale And Durham Universities
GA Daily News
Dyslexia is a 'meaningless label used by middle-class parents' claims Professor Julian Elliot
Catholic Online (based in Los Angeles)
Is Dyslexia a meaningless label
Opposing Views (based in Los Angeles)
Dyslexia Is A ‘Meaningless Label Used By Middle-Class Parents’ Says Durham Professor Julian Elliot
Newser
'Dyslexia' Is a Meaningless Term, New Book Argues
Highlight Press
SPECIALIST MEDIA
Learning Disability Today
Dyslexia organisations refute claim that diagnosis is without value
UK ONLINE BLOGS AND NEWS SITES
The Blog - Huffington Post
A Quiet Word... by Amanda Prowse
Huff Post Students
The Guardian Teacher Network
Dyslexia is a meaningless label
Mail online
The Daily Beast
Why it's time to retire the dyslexic label
Telegraph blog
Why the pessimism over dyslexia?
The Student Room
Dyslexia 'is just a middle-class way to hide stupidity'
Made for Mums
Is dyslexia a ‘meaningless label’? by Jessica Gibb
The Information Daily.com
The term 'dyslexia' should be changed, as it is 'misleading' by Information Daily Staff Writer
Education Echo Chamber (blog)
Dyslexia: Does it really exist?
Direct2Mum.com
Against Labelling Children Dyslexic
Talk Talk
Debate over use of term Dyslexia
Yahoo! News
Education Experts Query Dyslexia Diagnosis
The Learning Spy (blog)
The dyslexia debate – is the label ‘meaningless’?
Bishop Blog