Dyslexia Ireland is open to the adoption of new and improved methods of teaching but we owe it to our members to be cautious when new and alternative methods are suggested. Therefore, Dyslexia Ireland does not endorse any methods of working with people with dyslexia other than teaching which is specific, systematic and cumulative, designed to cater to the learner’s assessed needs and aligned with the known science of reading.
If other non-teaching therapies are being considered then users undertake them at their own risk, and should be mindful that these approaches are not backed by scientific consensus and may be a waste of time and money. Anecdotal evidence about alleged benefits can seem persuasive. However, positive stories for individuals about the benefits of a specific therapy or approach is not evidence of effect. The best evidence is independent randomised control trials and meta-analyses. These scientific methods protect against placebo effects (the idea that your brain can convince your body a fake treatment is the real thing) and Hawthorne effects (the idea that any change is perceived as positive).
Ineffective methods can give individuals and parents a false sense that difficulties are being addressed, when in fact they may be a waste of resources and critically time that would be better spent on effective literacy instruction informed by the science of reading.
While some individuals report benefits from different alternative approaches (e.g. coloured lenses, neurodevelopmental therapy, sound therapy, food supplements) the current research evidence does not support the claims made for these approaches in relation to dyslexia. Therefore, Dyslexia Ireland does not recommend these approaches.