In the past the Rose Report published in 2009 and led by Sir Jim Rose was used to underpin definitions and diagnostic criteria for dyslexia. This was compiled by an Expert Advisory Group and on the whole has provided a useful basis over the last 15 years.
However, as time and science has moved on an updated definition of dyslexia has now been compiled. The is known as the 'DELPHI Definition'. It is referred to as the Delphi Definition as the Delphi method is a trialed and tested process that can be used to build upon the understanding of a topic. The method involves collating the thoughts and views of field experts.
The updated Delphi definition includes some extra elements that the previous Rose definition did not consider as part of the core definition. This includes:
More focus on spelling.
The new definition reports that 'dyslexia is primarily a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling.'
More focus on spoken languages.
The latest definition explains that 'across languages and age groups difficulties in reading and spelling fluency are a key markers of dyslexia.'
More focus on environmental influences.
The Delphi definition describes that 'the nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.'
More emphasis of affects on other skill sets.
The updated definition now recognizes that 'dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language.'
How dyslexia may co-occur with other conditions.
This is an addition to the previous definition. The Delphi definition includes how 'dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulty, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.'
For more information you can also visit PATOSS: Introducing a new definition of dyslexia.
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