Annual Dyslexia Guild Online Conference 1 July 2026: Dyslexia Guild

Conference Programme

‘Orthographic processing and how it contributes to the assessment process’

Jessica Milligan – Fellow of The Dyslexia Guild – Orthographic processing has gained momentum in recent years, largely driven by its explicit inclusion in the Delphi definition of dyslexia. This presentation will investigate the critical role that orthographic processing plays in literacy development and examine how deficits in this area can manifest within dyslexic profiles. This session will explore the theoretical foundations of orthographic processing before transitioning into practical applications. Jessica considers contemporary approaches to the assessment of orthographic processing and teaching strategies designed to support learners struggling with this area of processing. By bridging the gap between research and professional practice, this session provides valuable insights for both specialist teachers and diagnostic assessors in addressing the core mechanics of orthographic difficulties.

‘Developments in academic and inclusive support for undergraduates with SpLD’

Claire Donovan, Member of The Dyslexia Guild – Relevant for the ‘Recommendations’ section of diagnostic assessment reports, this presentation is based on Claire’s PhD research. Using case study methodology, she explores how academic and inclusive support for undergraduate students with SpLDs has evolved between 2017 and 2024. A core part of the research focuses on accessibility of support but it also explores trends in student study skills. The migration towards a more digital world, alongside the revised Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) process, has altered student needs and we will discuss how the case study university has responded.

‘Measuring Speed of Processing for Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)’

Sophia Butler and Louise Van der Valk – Fellows of The Dyslexia Guild

This short presentation explores the different aspects of speed of processing and the reasoning behind measuring this construct for exam access arrangements. Louise Van Der Valk and Sophia Butler apply their considerable skill in the field of EAA by examining Part 2 of the Form 8. They make reference to some commonly used tests that contain a component of speed and how these tests can be applied.

‘What do we know about the genetics of dyslexia?’

Professor Michelle Luciano – Early clinical observations of dyslexia reported the tendency for it to run in families, but what does science tell us about familial transmission: how important are genes and family environmental influences? Professor Luciano’s recent work has helped pinpoint specific genetic differences that are associated with dyslexia, how genetic predisposition to dyslexia relates to different cognitive processing abilities, whether this genetic predisposition interacts with family socio-economic class to influence reading skill, and whether there is genetic overlap between dyslexia and other developmental traits or psychiatric health variables. In this talk, Professor Luciano will summarise some key findings from this work while explaining some basic genetics concepts along the way.

‘Positive Attitudes Towards ADHD: Measurement and Associations with Mental Health in ADHD-Diagnosed Adults’

Dr Steve Lukito –  While past research on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has tended to focus on the challenges and difficulties faced by individuals with ADHD, more recent reports indicate a growing number of adults who view their ADHD positively. Adults with ADHD have attributed personal characteristics such as creativity, flexibility, quick thinking, and adventurousness, among others, to their ADHD diagnosis. Steve will outline his current work: he describes a method for measuring such positive attitudes,  a revised, novel questionnaire—the Positive Attitudes Towards ADHD Scale (PATAS)—incorporating the perspectives of adults with ADHD. His team also assessed how these positive self-views in adults with ADHD relate to general mental health and other personal characteristics, such as self-esteem.

You will add to your knowledge thus updating your continuing professional development activities in order to maintain professional practice standards.

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