Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often thought of as a phonological processing difficulty, but recent research suggests that dyslexia is more complex than that. Dr Valerie Muter will be presenting a webinar on Tuesday 28 March 2023, to discuss this new understanding of dyslexia.
Dr Muter is a leading researcher in the field of dyslexia and has been studying the disorder for over 20 years. Her research has shown that dyslexic difficulties vary in degree and expression, and they often co-occur with other learning disorders. This means that we need to rethink our understanding of dyslexia and its causes.
The traditional hypothesis that a deficit in phonological processing is the cause of dyslexia does not fit comfortably with the new research findings. Instead, we need to consider individual differences and co-occurring learning disorders when studying dyslexia.
During the webinar, Dr Muter will explore the multiple deficit model and how it can be used for both assessment and teaching. Delegates will gain an understanding of the most up-to-date theories of causal factors for dyslexia and learn how to apply the multiple deficit model in practice.
The upcoming webinar will also feature seminar series with a keynote address by Professor Jessie Ricketts on the topic of adolescent reading development. Despite the widespread assumption that children can read when they leave primary education, nearly 20% of adolescents are not able to read simple texts accurately and with understanding. Professor Ricketts will present research on reading development in adolescence, exploring its link to spoken vocabulary knowledge, socio-economic status, and the period when students transition from primary to secondary school.
Other seminars in the series include Dr Nancy Mather’s talk on understanding orthography, Dr Sharon McMurray’s discussion on the pivotal role of orthographic knowledge in learning to read and spell, and a conversation between Judy Hornigold and Pete Jarrett on dyscalculia and math learning difficulties. Dr Rebecca Ashton will present executive functions and their relationship to specifically identified diagnoses, while Prof. Anna Barnett and Dr Nichola Stuart will discuss the development of writing assessment tools for children and young people. Dr Cecil R Reynolds will explore the topic of assessing and training learning and study strategies.
The seminar series offers an opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in the field of education and learning difficulties. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of these topics and learn about innovative approaches for promoting reading and writing skills among children and adolescents. The seminars are authorized by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) and offer valuable professional development opportunities for educators and professionals working in this field.
The webinar is open to members and non-members, and delegates who are unable to attend live will receive a recording of the event to watch at their leisure. The cost of attendance is £30 for members and £35 for non-members.
Dyslexia affects a significant proportion of the population and can have a profound impact on an individual’s education and future prospects. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of dyslexia and learn how to support those who are affected by it. To book a place or for more information, please click here.
