This month, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) unveiled a long-awaited update to their definition of dyslexia. The IDA adopted their original definition in 2002, so this new version reflects two decades of science, clinical practice, and lived experience. At Sprout Labs, we believe these changes matter deeply because they reshape how we identify, teach, and empower readers. Reading can’t wait.

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‍What’s changed?

Here’s a side-by-side of key shifts in the definition:

‍Old definition (2002): “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”

New definition (2025): “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetics, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities may also be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.”

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Why the changes matter for children, families, and educators:

• The original IDA definition characterized dyslexia as neurological in origin. However, new research suggests that multiple interacting factors contribute to dyslexia, including genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences.
• The updated definition highlights early oral-language weaknesses as an important early indicator of later literacy challenges. These difficulties are no longer compared to expectations based on cognitive ability.
• The new version broadens the range of potential consequences to include impacts on writing, language, academic achievement, psychological well-being, and employment.
• It emphasizes that intervention and support are most effective when provided before and during the early years of education.
• Early theories emphasized phonological deficits as the primary underlying difficulty. While phonological challenges may be present, they are not universal; research now shows that morphological processing and other difficulties are also common.

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What this means for Sprout Labs and our community:

• We reaffirm our “Reading Can’t Wait” mindset. While the old definition lacked any mention of early intervention, the updated definition reinforces the urgency of timely, targeted literacy intervention.
• We support the movement away from cognitive expectations and embrace a more inclusive approach to learning profiles.
• We honor science-backed evidence. Sprout Labs’ approach aligns with the emphasis on effective instruction and early support.
• We broadened our focus to include fluency, spelling, and writing, while the expanded definition includes accuracy, speed, and written expression.

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The new definition from IDA reflects more than a change in phrasing. It represents a deeper understanding of how reading develops and how best to support every learner. At Sprout Labs we’re committed to turning that understanding into action. Because for every learner, reading can’t wait. Learn more about our program here.