Dyslexia definition updated after 24 years

The official definition of dyslexia has been updated for the first time in over 20 years. Published in the journal ‘Annals of Dyslexia’, the new definition was developed by researchers in the United States following consultations with more than 15 international specialists.

A major change in the updated criteria is the removal of intelligence quotient (IQ) scores as a requirement for identifying dyslexia. Previously, a 15-point discrepancy between reading performance and IQ scores was required to diagnose the condition. Experts note that this old criterion often excluded children who fell just short of the required point difference, preventing them from receiving necessary specialized support. The new approach prioritizes reading and spelling evaluations over IQ testing to provide more useful diagnostic information.