1st Edition

Dyslexia Theories, Assessment and Support

By John Everatt, Amanda Denston Copyright 2020
    218 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    218 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Dyslexia: Theories, Assessment and Support offers a broad perspective on dyslexia, providing a range of views from theory to practice which help explain the continued controversy surrounding the condition. Offering a framework on which to understand the concept of dyslexia, the book considers procedures that can both identify the condition and help support those with it. With a focus on self-concept, the authors highlight ways to positively influence both literacy acquisition and individual well-being.

    This book is ideal reading for those taking courses on dyslexia or literacy learning difficulties within education, psychology and related disciplines. It will be of great interest to specialist teachers, special education staff, educational psychologists and those in related occupations.

    PART 1: Introduction to the skills of reading and writing

    Background to the book

    The skill of reading and writing

    Reading and writing development

    Reading processes or skills

    Overview of the rest of the book

    PART 2: A background and framework to understand dyslexia

    Introduction

    Reading/learning disability and dyslexia

    A brief history of dyslexia

    Dyslexia and intelligence

    Perspectives and definitions

    A framework for dyslexia

    PART 3: Theories of dyslexia

    Introduction

    Phonological processing and dyslexia

    Differences in dyslexia across languages and orthographies

    Accuracy versus speed and double deficit perspectives

    Perceptual factors and visual processing deficit accounts

    Motor and cerebellum deficit viewpoints

    Morphology and meaning

    Conclusions

    PART 4: Identifying dyslexia

    Introduction

    Types of assessment methods

    Assessment procedures and evaluation

    Comparisons of the performance of dyslexic against norms

    Differentiating dyslexia from other learning difficulties

    Dyslexia across orthographies, languages and educational contexts

    PART 5: Intervention

    Introduction

    A classification of intervention perspectives

    General learning viewpoints

    Literacy teaching methods

    Phonological awareness training

    Response to intervention

    Assessment–intervention profiling

    Multisensory learning

    Working memory or meta-cognitive methods

    Visual-and motor-related interventions

    Conclusion

    PART 6: Self-concept and dyslexia

    Introduction

    Defining self-esteem

    A multi-dimensional model of self-esteem

    Academic self-concept and education

    Self-efficacy

    Self-efficacy and education

    Academic self-efficacy and beyond in education

    Resilience

    Resilience and education

    Overall

    Concluding views on improving literacy and self-concept

    Biography

    John Everatt is a Professor of Education at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

    Amanda Denston is a post-doctoral researcher in Education at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

    'Everatt and Denston have successfully defused the dyslexia controversy with this authoritative and comprehensive book. Insightful and informative full of evidence based approaches providing detailed accounts of reading and writing processes, a clear account of the theories of dyslexia and approaches for identification and intervention. I found the component on self-efficacy particularly illuminating. Not enough has been written about this crucial area. This book benefits from the authors' lengthy experiences, their academic insights and their sound awareness of best practice in this field. This is a must buy for all involved in this area and will surely become one of the seminal texts in this field.' Gavin Reid, Chair of British Dyslexia Association Accreditation Board, Former Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

    'Many texts on dyslexia provide in-depth information on a few select research topics, or go to the other extreme, providing a superficial overview of topics that requires more explication. Dyslexia: Theories, Assessment and Support provides a welcome contrast. Everatt and Denston have provided an accessibly written, yet comprehensive and well-considered overview of classic as well as current research related to dyslexia and related reading difficulties. They explore standard cognitive and linguistic processes influencing word recognition and comprehension and are careful to include critical contextual factors such as teaching practices, experience, interest and self-concept. This book will provide a welcome resource to university students in reading courses, teachers, as well as researchers who are looking for a comprehensive update.' Charles W. Haynes, EdD, CCC-SLP, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, USA.

    'This book provides an accessible and non-technical introduction to the controversial field of dyslexia. It presents a brief account of historical and contemporary theoretical viewpoints, presenting the pros and cons of each. While avoiding polemics, the authors favour the widely-held theory that a phonological deficit lies at the root of dyslexic difficulties. A particularly valuable section of the book is the discussion of different types of interventions that have been used with dyslexic readers, relating each class of intervention to background theory. The book is aimed at the general reader and master’s level students but will prove useful to teachers, parents and other specialists working with dyslexic students and adults.' - Ute Beaton, MA, PCGE, ADG, Specialist Support Lecturer, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK.  

    'The book is suggested to be ideal reading for those taking courses on dyslexia or literacy learning difficulties within education, psychology and related disciplines. It will be of great interest to specialist teachers, special education staff, educational psychologists and those in related occupations.' - Dr Jenny Moody MDG, Dyslexia Review