Conversations with Dr. Tim Odegard - IDA's New Definition of Dyslexia
How dyslexia is defined and diagnosed is changing, and that impacts students, educators, and parents alike.
Dr. Tim Odegard was part of the team that helped revise the International Dyslexia Association's working definition of dyslexia. Dr. Odegard sat down with DVFriends' Director of Teaching and Learning Megan Fairchild to discuss this new definition, its impacts, and advice for families looking for support for students with dyslexia.
DVFriends is a leader in educating students in grades 1-12 with learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia and other language-based learning differences as well as ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
Please enjoy these videos with Dr. Odegard and watch for new blogs and new speaker series events in 2026-27.
ABOUT DR. TIM ODEGARD
Tim Odegard, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology and the Katherine Davis Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, where he leads the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Dyslexia and a consulting editor for the Journal of Learning Disabilities. He has received the Innovator Award from IMSLEC, the Luke Waits Service Award from ALTA, the Massey- Sexton Dyslexia Advocacy Award from the Tennessee IDA, the AIM Institute Founder's Award, and the Research Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Arlington.
If you are unsure if DVFriends serves your student's learning profile, please contact the Admissions Office to speak to Jim Miller or Kavitha Patel.
Kavitha Patel
Assistant Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid
(610) 640-4150 x2120
Assistant Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid
(610) 640-4150 x2120