In today’s episode, we explore the evolving definition of dyslexia, including the current and proposed IDA definitions. We uncover common myths, clarify misconceptions, and spotlight the latest research (2020–2025) on brain networks, genetics, and early detection.

Helpful links:

1. Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics
2. IDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdf
3. Proposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-comment
4. fMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/full
5. Network Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2
6. Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-y
7. ScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htm
8. New Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0
9. JAMA – Infants at Risk Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797787

Let's take a look at recent research regarding Dysgraphia and what it means for our students.

Instead of focusing on deficits and weaknesses, let's take some time to focus on the strengths students with dyslexia possess.

Ever wonder why students with dyslexia often have difficulty getting organized, prioritizing tasks, or keeping up with their stuff? It may be because of their executive functioning!

Join me as I take a deep dive into reading comprehension. We'll look at the following questions: What is reading comprehension? Why is it important? How can we target it effectively?

Reading Fluency Hot Sheet - https://www.teachingld.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DLD_FluencyHotSheet3.pdf

Reading Comprehension Hot Sheet - https://www.teachingld.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DLD_ReadingComp_HS4_rev21.pdf

Take a close look at reading fluency with me. What is it, why does it matter, and how do we improve it?

"Reading Fluency: The Neglected Key to Reading Success" by Timothy Rasinski - https://tinyurl.com/5n7exkxu

"The Method of Repeated Readings" by S. Jay Samuels - https://tinyurl.com/mrm8sk4f

"Fluency: A review of developmental and remedial practices." by Melanie R. Kuhn & Steven A. Stahl - https://tinyurl.com/eedn2x85

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem... our students walk through our doors with a wide variety of difficulties. So, how do we help them? How do we build them up? Join me as I share tips and tricks to help our students reduce the effects of stress in their daily lives.

"The Labels We Carry" - https://youtu.be/hNS_D-pw8y4?si=J4-MYwk0tHIxP9kX

Square Breathing - https://surreyschoolsone.ca/parents/all-learning-ideas/square-breathing

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding - https://www.calm.com/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind#:~:text=What%20is%20the%2054321%20method,1%20thing%20you%20can%20taste.

Growth Mindset - https://www.renaissance.com/edword/growth-mindset/#:~:text=Growth%20mindset%3A%20%E2%80%9CIn%20a%20growth,Dweck%2C%202015)

What does current research have to say about dyslexia? Are advances being made in this area?

LINKS

Eye Tracking Research - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lShm41AWEGSKal7ARVfYy_nAh0Fi_KhL/view?usp=sharing

IDA - ⁠https://dyslexiaida.org/do-special-fonts-help-people-with-dyslexia/⁠ Fonts - Italy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VECFUwC3AaJBS3Qf213zSbCsplUT288J/view?usp=sharing

Fonts - Macedonia - https://drive.google.com/file/d/18cLq_QzsCB_0avRCCIRQc10Fdx_lmOT_/view?usp=sharing