FREE WEBINAR
Dyslexia: What Does It Mean?
An overview of dyslexia characteristics, the updated IDA definition, and the myths that still shape identification. With MaryKate DeSantis and Eileen Catizone.
In partnership with Parallel Learning
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Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences affecting reading development, yet misconceptions continue to influence identification, assessment and educational support. This session gives an overview of the characteristics of dyslexia, current diagnostic considerations, and the updated International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition.
What we will cover
- Describe the characteristics of dyslexia and how it is diagnosed
- Explain the updated International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition and its implications for identification, assessment and educational practice
- Examine myths and misconceptions to promote accurate understanding and informed decision-making
This session is part of the Fall Learning Series, Strengthening Language and Literacy for Students with Reading Difficulties, developed by Parallel Learning in partnership with Sprout Labs. Registration is handled on the Parallel Learning site.
ABOUT THIS SESSION
Your speaker
MaryKate DeSantis is a doctoral fellow in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education and the founder of Left Side Strong LLC. Her work focuses on language and literacy development, early identification, and translating research into inclusive, evidence-based instruction and intervention. She has served as a special educator, reading specialist and district-wide literacy coach in a large urban school district. Her research experience includes the Speech, Language, and Literacy Lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and an ongoing collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has also worked as a clinician in the Neurology Department at Boston Children’s Hospital and currently teaches at Boston College.
Eileen Catizone, M.Ed. is an educational consultant, curriculum developer and professional development leader, as well as a reading specialist addressing students’ literacy needs. She has extensive teaching experience as both a classroom teacher and reading specialist for grades PreK through 8th. As an Orton-Gillingham and IDA Dyslexia Practitioner, Eileen translates struggling readers’ scores into evidence-based practices that can be carried out through targeted remediation. She continues to teach students with dyslexia and serves as an educational consultant to schools and families. Eileen is currently the Head of Literacy at Sprout Labs.
