Findings from the Delphi Dyslexia Study

After more than a year of research, two papers summarising the findings of Delphi study into the definition of dyslexia have now been published in draft format on the Open Science Framework.

1. Julia Carroll, Caroline Holden, Philip Kirby, Paul Andrew Thompson and Margaret J. Snowling (2024).
   Towards a consensus on dyslexia: Findings from a Delphi study. https://osf.io/preprints/osf/tb8mp
   
2. Philip Kirby, Caroline Holden, Paul Andrew Thompson, Maggie Snowling and Julia Carroll (2024). Towards a consensus for dyslexia practice: Findings of a Delphi study on assessment and identification. https://osf.io/preprints/edarxiv/g7m8n

The Delphi dyslexia study aimed to establish ‘areas of consensus among a wide range of experts’ and to reduce ‘confusion and misinformation’ about how dyslexia should be defined.

It is important to note that the proposed definition identifies the same or similar underlying cognitive indicators of dyslexia, alongside recognition of its impact on individuals. For this reason, there is no suggestion that anyone diagnosed under the previous definition would not continue to meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

The Delphi dyslexia study papers are still being reviewed as part of the academic research process and it is possible that changes may be made. In light of this, the BDA is monitoring the progress of this review and will ensure that our members, stakeholders and those we aim to support have access to the latest information. We will also share further guidance from the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) when it is published.