You may have seen a recent letter to PBS from “experienced senior scholars in the field of reading and literacy education” that took issue with an April 30, 2019 PBS special on dyslexia. In part, the signers call into question the ability to reliably assess and diagnose dyslexia, as well as treat it. I, and other colleagues who have the privilege to work every day with individuals with dyslexia (i.e., provide assessment, diagnosis, and intervention), found this letter extremely disconcerting. As one supporter of DyslexiaHelp wrote to me, the letter to PBS “seems to be in complete conflict with the great work you are doing through DyslexiaHelp!” Fortunately, there are many champions of those with dyslexia; and one of them is Steven Dykstra, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in the Milwaukee area. I stand with Dr. Dykstra. Here is his response -- In Defense of the Truth.
Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
June 5, 2019