DSM-5 Proposal to Remove Dyslexia from LD Definition

In the latest round of the proposed revisions for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), "Learning Disorder has been changed to Specific Learning Disorder and the previous types of Learning Disorder (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Disorder of Written Expression) no longer are being recommended." 

The Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) on May 29, 2012 approved the IDA Scientific Advisory Board position statement, "Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyslexia: Comments on Proposed DSM-5 Criteria for Learning Disabilities (Disorders)." This position statement reflects the great concern of our members regarding the deletion of the term dyslexia under the diagnostic category of Specific Learning Disorder in the most recent draft of the DSM-5. Therefore, the Board strongly encourages IDA members and others to sign a petition based on IDA's position statement that urgently requests the following:

a) reinstatement of the term dyslexia as the appropriate name for phonologically-based, developmental reading disabilities that are manifested as unexpected difficulties with word recognition, spelling, language comprehension, and reading fluency;

b) and inclusion of the definition, diagnostic criteria, descriptive information, and affirmation of known treatment protocols for this developmental reading disorder.

 Petitionshttp://www.ipetitions.com/">Petitions> by iPetitions.comhttp://www.ipetitions.com">iPetitions.com>