How Can We Best Define ‘Dyslexia’?

Abstract

Diverse needs and purposes determine the way ‘dyslexia’ is defined. Some traditional definitions are presented and discussed briefly. Some logical requirements for definitions are also presented and discussed briefly. The main aim of the article is to suggest guidelines and criteria for how we should formulate and evaluate definitions of ‘dyslexia’. A major conclusion is that proposed definitions should be formulated and treated as hypotheses. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.