Dyslexia Course

Lesson 1 • Neurological Basis of Dyslexia

Explains brain structure and function differences underlying dyslexia. Connects neuroscience to observable reading and language behaviours.

Lesson 2 • Defining Dyslexia Accurately

Covers the scientific consensus definition and common misconceptions. Grounds the chapter in precise terminology used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Prevalence and Population Data

Presents global and demographic prevalence estimates for dyslexia. Helps professionals contextualise caseloads and resource planning.

Lesson 1 • Phonological Memory and Processing Speed

Examines verbal working memory and rapid naming as dyslexia markers. Connects processing deficits to decoding and fluency breakdowns.

Lesson 2 • Oral Language and Vocabulary Connections

Explores how oral language proficiency interacts with phonological deficits. Broadens understanding beyond decoding to comprehension challenges.

Lesson 3 • Phonological Awareness Fundamentals

Defines phonological awareness and its subskills in a developmental sequence. Establishes the foundation for understanding reading acquisition failures.

Lesson 1 • Early Identification and Screening

Covers validated screening tools and risk indicators for early identification. Positions screening as the first step in a tiered assessment process.

Lesson 2 • Interpreting Assessment Data

Teaches score interpretation, pattern analysis, and diagnostic conclusions. Connects data to instructional planning and eligibility decisions.

Lesson 3 • Culturally Responsive Assessment Practices

Addresses bias reduction and equitable assessment for diverse learners. Ensures accurate identification across linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Lesson 4 • Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment

Details the components of a full psychoeducational evaluation for dyslexia. Ensures professionals understand what a complete assessment must include.

Lesson 1 • Spelling and Writing Instruction

Teaches encoding skills using structured, rule-based spelling approaches. Connects spelling instruction to reading reinforcement for dyslexic learners.

Lesson 2 • Fluency and Reading Rate Development

Presents research-based fluency interventions including repeated reading. Bridges accurate decoding to automatic, expressive reading.

Lesson 3 • Structured Literacy Framework

Defines structured literacy and its six language strands. Establishes the overarching instructional framework for all subsequent teaching methods.

Lesson 4 • Phonics and Decoding Instruction

Covers explicit phonics sequences and decoding strategy instruction. Directly addresses the core reading deficit in dyslexia through targeted skill-building.

Lesson 1 • Selecting Intervention Programs

Evaluates structured literacy programs against evidence-based criteria. Guides professionals in matching programs to learner needs and settings.

Lesson 2 • Scheduling and Intensity of Intervention

Defines optimal session frequency, duration, and group size for dyslexia intervention. Ensures intervention intensity matches severity of need.

Lesson 3 • Goal Setting from Assessment Data

Translates diagnostic findings into measurable short- and long-term goals. Anchors intervention planning in individual learner profiles.

Lesson 1 • Accommodations Versus Modifications

Clarifies the distinction between accommodations and curriculum modifications. Prevents misapplication that can limit or mislabel learner progress.

Lesson 2 • Classroom Instructional Accommodations

Presents practical accommodations for reading, writing, and testing tasks. Directly applicable to daily classroom and instructional settings.

Lesson 3 • Universal Design for Learning Principles

Applies UDL principles to proactively reduce barriers for all learners. Extends accommodation thinking to whole-class instructional design.

Lesson 4 • Assistive Technology for Access

Introduces text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and other assistive tools. Positions technology as an access equaliser, not a replacement for instruction.

Lesson 1 • Family Engagement and Support

Equips professionals to partner with families as active members of the support team. Strengthens home-school consistency in emotional and academic support.

Lesson 2 • Building Self-Efficacy and Resilience

Presents evidence-based strategies to strengthen learner confidence and persistence. Connects emotional wellbeing directly to academic engagement and progress.

Lesson 3 • Emotional Consequences of Dyslexia

Examines anxiety, shame, and low self-efficacy commonly experienced by dyslexic learners. Grounds emotional support strategies in documented psychological research.

Lesson 1 • Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness

Applies data analysis skills to judge whether programs produce meaningful outcomes. Moves professionals from individual cases to program-level accountability.

Lesson 2 • Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Teams

Defines roles within multidisciplinary teams supporting dyslexic learners. Strengthens interprofessional communication and coordinated service delivery.

Lesson 3 • Continuing Professional Development

Identifies pathways for ongoing learning, certification, and specialisation in dyslexia. Positions professionals as lifelong learners in an evolving field.

Lesson 4 • Ethical Practice in Dyslexia Support

Addresses confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries. Ensures all practice is grounded in ethical standards and learner dignity.