When Language and Literacy Difficulties Co-Occur: Understanding DLD and Dyslexia

About the Event

Oct. 21, 2026, 8 p.m.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and dyslexia are neurodevelopmental conditions that frequently co-occur, creating a complex profile of language and literacy needs. Because their characteristics can overlap, one condition may be identified and addressed while the other goes unrecognized.

Join Dr. Brennan Chandler, dyslexia researcher at Georgia State University, and MaryKate DeSantis, literacy researcher and clinician, as they clarify the distinct and overlapping features of DLD and dyslexia. Participants will explore how difficulties may appear across oral language, reading, spelling, and writing; what educators should look for in student data; and the implications of co-occurring DLD and dyslexia for assessment, identification, and instruction. Educators will leave with a clearer understanding of how to provide coordinated support that addresses students’ language and literacy needs.

Topic: Parents, Reading, Writing
Grade: Pre-K, K-2, 3-5