(adapted from Emma Derbyshire’s blog: https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/dyslexia-and-artificial-intelligence)
Most readers are likely familiar with ChatGPT by now. For some, this term evokes hope and excitement, while others may feel apprehensive.
Before discussing ChatGPT's potential applications for dyslexia, let's first define and clarify what ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) means. According to Britannica (2023), AI is defined as ‘the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks typically associated with intelligent beings.’ However, individuals with dyslexia often find tasks like searching for and extracting information from texts more challenging than neurotypical individuals.
AI has now entered what is referred to as the ‘stage of intelligent cognition’ (Wang et al., 2023), meaning it has the ability to replicate human-like cognitive processes. While this may seem daunting, we can also view it from a different perspective. Consider a classroom of 30 students, each with multiple questions about a topic. Can that one teacher effectively address all those inquiries? This is where AI systems like ChatGPT could be beneficial, allowing students to ask questions and receive responses that deepen their comprehension.
AI could serve as a valuable assistive tool for individuals with dyslexia. Assistive technology, now including AI, can improve the learning experience and create a more supportive environment for those facing dyslexia (Pontikas et al., 2022). When applied correctly, such technology has the potential to offer an added layer of reinforcement, positively impacting learning outcomes (Barua et al., 2022).
Gavin Reid (2009) characterizes dyslexia as: ‘a processing difference, typically evident in challenges with literacy acquisition affecting reading, writing, and spelling. It can also influence cognitive functions such as memory, processing speed, time management, coordination, and automaticity. Individuals may experience visual and/or phonological difficulties, alongside variations in educational achievement. Recognizing these individual differences and learning styles is crucial when planning interventions and accommodations.’
Interestingly, this definition highlights the importance of learning styles, interventions, and accommodations. In our rapidly advancing technological era, AI could act as a vital tool for accommodation and intervention to bolster learning.
‘Providing access to AI for individuals with dyslexia could offer broader benefits, such as enhanced mental well-being, lower anxiety levels, and improved academic engagement.’ Studies from the University of California involving children and adolescents (ages 7–14) with dyslexia indicate that this condition is associated with heightened anxiety, which can negatively affect academic performance (Hossain et al., 2021). Therefore, offering AI tools to those with dyslexia could logically result in improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and greater engagement with education. Although further research is necessary to confirm these outcomes, their plausibility remains strong.
Here are additional considerations:
Viewpoint 1: The Promise of AI for Individuals with Dyslexia
• Serves as a foundational resource for cross-checking and expanding upon information.
• Acts as a basis for revision that fosters deeper understanding.
• Allows for personalized responses to specific inquiries.
• Offers an individualized learning approach, especially beneficial for those who struggle with reading information.
• Simplifies complex concepts, making explanations more accessible for areas where confusion exists, or information is not yet fully grasped.
Viewpoint 2: The Risks of AI for Individuals with Dyslexia
• Users should avoid directly copying AI-generated text and presenting it as their own work.
• AI should not be treated as the sole source for information.
• AI text generation cannot replace established educational strategies that underpin reading and writing.
Guidance is now needed on how to effectively integrate AI within educational environments. Recently, the Joint Council for Qualifications issued guidelines regarding AI use in assessments (JCQ, 2023). They emphasize that, similar to traditional literature, sources generated by AI must be appropriately cited to prevent plagiarism, using examples like: ChatGPT 3.5 (https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/), date.
While there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies and publications on the intersection of AI and dyslexia, this area is expected to evolve. In the interim, AI may be regarded as another form of assistive technology, providing a supplementary foundation for learning and comprehension. When used and cited correctly, AI could greatly benefit individuals with dyslexia and be advantageous for other students as well.
References
Barua, P. D., Vicnesh, J., Gururajan, R., Oh, S. L., Palmer, E., Azizan, M. M., Kadri, N. A., & Acharya, U. R. (2022). Artificial intelligence enabled personalised assistive tools to enhance education of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1192.
Britannica. (2023). Artificial intelligence. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence
Hossain, B., Bent, S., & Hendren, R. (2021). The association between anxiety and academic performance in children with reading disorder: A longitudinal cohort study. Dyslexia, 27(3), 342–354.
Joint Council for Qualifications [JCQ]. (2023). AI use in assessments: Protecting the integrity of qualifications. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/malpractice/artificial-intelligence
Pontikas, C. M., Tsoukalas, E., & Serdari, A. (2022). A map of assistive technology educative instruments in neurodevelopmental disorders. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(7), 738–746.
Reid, G. (2009). Dyslexia: A practitioner’s handbook (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
Wang, X., He, X., Wei, J., Liu, J., Li, Y., & Liu, X. (2023). Application of artificial intelligence to the public health education. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 1087174.
Assistive Technology (AT) in the classroom can be extremely helpful for students with specific learning disorders and enable equity of access to the curriculum for all students.
Here are some great resources for understanding how AT can be integrated into standard classroom practice and the benefits for all students, but particularly students with specific learning disorders.
https://www.understood.org/en/search-results?query=assistive%20technology
https://education.qld.gov.au/students/inclusive-education/assistive-technology
https://www.ldrfa.org/exploring-benefits-assistive-technology/
Our first blog will give you the most up to date information on Educational Apps. This blog also contains how to guides and links to built in assistive technology for Apple and/or Windows, however, these will be regularly updated, as assistive technology moves so quickly. Come back every term to have a look at the updated information.
Language, Auditory Memory and Following Directions
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Auditory Workout | Activities for auditory processing, memory and attention. | 4-12 | iPad, Android | $39.99 |
 | Key Word Kids | Activities for expressive and receptive language skills. Increase understanding ofinstructions through key words. | 2-8 | iPad | $59.99 |
 | More Fun with Directions | Practise listening, following directions and spatial/auditory | 4+ | iPad | $24.99 |
 | AB Listening Adventures | Six story-based games to practise listening with multiple elements | 4+ | iPad | Free |
 | Splingo | Activities to develop listening skills and expressive/receptive language. This is justone of eight Splingo apps available. | 18 months -5 | iPad, Android | $2.99 |
Decodable Readers
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Fitzroy Readers | Sets of decodable reading books with sounding out options. Sets 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40 | 4+ | iPad, Android | $14.99 each set |
 | Little Learners Love Literacy | Sets of decodable reading books with sounding out options available. Stages 1-7.5 | 4+ | iPad, Android | $5.99 each set |
 | Australian Decodable Readers | Sets of decodable reading books with sounding out options available. Levels 1-8 | 4+ | iPad, Android | $24.99 each set |
 | Sounds Write: Phonic Stories | Sets of decodable reading books with sounding out options available. | 3-6 | Amazon Kindle | $11.99 |
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Initial Code | Activities to develop blending, segmenting, sound spelling, reading + more. Matches theSounds Write program for Initial Code. | 4+ | iPad | $7.99 |
 | Hairy letters | Multisensory activities to practise letter formation, phonics and word building. | 4-6 | iPad, Android | $2.99 |
 | Hairy Phonics | Develop phonemic awareness with 9 common consonant digraphs. Hairy Phonics2 & 3 also available. | 4-6 | iPad, Android | $4.99 each set |
 | Nessy Reading and Spelling | Comprehensive reading and spelling program which adheres to the Orton- Gillingham principles. | 6-11 | Online. Chrome orSafari recommended | Subscription. |
 | Reading Dr apps | Apps include Letter Sounds 1, Letter Sounds 2, Blending Sounds 1, Spelling Sounds 1,Sight Words 1, Word Builder | 6-12 | iPad, Mac, Android | $24.99 each |
 | Funny Phonemes | Phonemic awareness training meets popculture jargon and clean slang in an app that older students will love. | 12-18 | iPad, Android | $4.99 |
 | Pocket Phonics | PocketPhonics teaches kids letter sounds, first words and handwriting. It embraces the synthetic phonics method, Also includes Extended Code practice. | 5-12 | iPad | $9.99 includes storybook access |
Sentence Structure
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Rainbow Sentences | Helps students to improve their ability to construct grammatically correct sentencesusing colour coded visual cues. | 5-8 | iPad | $14.99 |
 | Sentence Builder Teen | Helps teenage children learn how to build grammatically correct sentences. | 11+ | iPad | $14.99 |
 | Clicker Writer | Develop students’ writing skills and build struggling writers’ confidence. | 5+ | iPad, Chrome Extension | Free |
 | Reading Raven | An engaging learn-to-read educational game that provides step-by-step reading lessons. | 3-7 | iPad, Android | $4.99 |
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | A+ Spelling | Import your own or use pre-loaded spellinglists. Practise words with multisensory activities. | 7+ | iPad | Free |
| Clicker Writer | Develop students’ writing skills and build struggling writers’ confidence. | 5+ | iPad, Chrome Extension | Free |
 | iWordQ | Simple word processor with phonetic word prediction & text-to-speech to assist withwriting, spelling & vocab. | 8+ | iPad, Chrome Extension | $29.99 |
 | Co-Writer | Simple word processor with phonetic word prediction & text-to-speech to assist withwriting, spelling & vocab. | 8+ | iPad, Chrome Extension | Free |
 | Read & Write for iPad | Similar features to word processing apps but works as an assistive keyboard. | 8+ | iPad | Free with in app purchases |
 | Ghotit Real Writer | Word processing app with phonetic wordprediction & text-to-speech designed for users with Dysgraphia and Dyslexia. | 8+ | iPad, Chrome Extension | $99.99 |
Comprehension
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Homer Learn and Grow | Early learning app for young children that incorporates drawing, voice recording,stories, songs, and phonics. | 2-8 | iPad | Subscription |
 | Speech with Milo: Sequencing | Kids learn to organize time, sentence, and storytelling concepts with familiar themes. | 4-10 | Online - www.speech withmilo.com/ |
Foundational Numeracy
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Dragonbox Numbers | Teach your child what numbers are, how they work, and what you can do with them. | 4+ | iPad, Android | Free with in app purchases |
 | Dragonbox Big Numbers | Learn how big numbers work through play and exploration. Learn to perform longadditions and subtractions. | 6-9 year olds | iPad, Android | Free with in app purchases |
 | Quick Maths Jr | Covers the foundations, including counting,addition and subtraction, place value, writing numbers and much more! | 3-7 | iPad | Free offers in app purchases |
 | Drive About Numbers | Allows kids to practise early numeracy skills –counting, ordering, matching, number identification, number writing. | 3-5 | iPad | $4.99 |
 | Counting Dots | Build counting confidence while having fun in this colourful counting game. | 4+ | iPad | $7.99 |
 | Dexteria Dots – Get in Touch With Math | Tap, drag, and swipe your way to a deeperunderstanding of addition, subtraction and number sense. | 2-8 | iPad | $5.99 |
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Jump Numbers | Fun games allow children to develop fluencyin calculation, number sense and as the basis of multiplication and division. | 4+ | iPad | $4.49 |
 | MathEdge Add and Subtract | Learn addition and subtraction with a step- by-step guide. | 8-10 | iPad | $12.99 |
 | Lobster Diver | Develop number sense and practise with addition, subtraction & fractions with anumber line. | 7-12 | iPad | Free |
 | Finger Glove Addition | Practise counting 1 to 10 and adding sums 1 to 10 with the help of fingers, number linesand dots. | 4+ | iPad | Free |
 | Number Race | Learn the basic concepts of number and practise with addition, subtraction andcounting. Once completed move onto Number Catcher. | 4-8 | Online Download | Free |
Multiplication and Division
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Kahoot Multiplication | 20+ mini games to keep kids practicing until they can recite times tables with ease | 6+ | iPad, Android | Free with in App purchases |
 | Divide by Sheep | A fun and gruesome way to practise division for older students – by slicingsheep! Mild fantasy and horror themes. | 12+ | iPad, Android | $4.99 |
 | Multiply Pizza Pie | Help children develop fluency with maths facts and gain conceptual understanding ofmultiplication. | 4+ | iPad | $1.99 |
 | Marble Math Multiplication | Solve multiplication problems by collectingnumbers as you move your marble through a series of fun mazes. | 4+ | iPad, Android | Free |
 | MathEdge Division | Learn basic long division with a step-by- step guide and practise with flash cards. | 8-12 | iPad | Free with in app purchases |
 | MathEdge Multiplication | Practise multiplication skills with a step-by- step guide and practise with flash cards. | 8-12 | iPad | $12.99 |
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Slice Fractions | Kids slice through ice and lava to clear themammoth’s path, learning about fractions along the way. | 5-12 | iPad, Android | $5.99 |
 | Slice Fractions 2 | Kids are on another engaging quest but this time with more complex fractions. | 6-12 | iPad, Android | $5.99 |
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Squeebles Tell The Time | Multiple game modes, full audio lessons on telling the time and mini games makelearning to tell the time fun. | 4+ | iPad, Android | $5.99 |
General Mathematics Skills
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Prodigy Math Game | Fantasy themed maths game which uses diagnostics to find the right level for eachchild. Content relevant for grade 1-8> | 5-13 | iPad, Android | Free |
 | Quick Math | Practice your mathematics while racing theclock. Check out the next level of difficulty with Quick Math Plus. | 2-6 | iPad | $2.99 |
 | Khan Academy | Access to structured mathematics videolessons and activities on a wide range of concepts. | 5+ | Online, iPad and Android | Free |
 | Marble Math Junior | Solve math problems by collecting numbers as you move your marble througha series of fun mazes. Check out Marble Math for the next level up! | 4+ | iPad, Android | $4.99 |
 | Mystery Math Town | A fun game based app to develop math skills by building equations and using strategic thinking. Try the sequel MysteryMath Museum! | 4+ | iPad | $5.99 |
 | Math Symbols | Memorize and master your understanding of the different math symbols. | 8-10 | iPad | Free |
 | Matific Galaxy | Subscription base math learning apps for k-6. A free one month trial is available. | 4-11 | iPad, Android | Subscription |
 | Mathigon | Mathigon is a virtual textbook and an interactive learning platform formathematics. | 4+ | iPad, Android | Free |
 | Maths Online | A online program with video lessons and activities matched to the AustralianCurriculum. | 5-17 | Online | Subscription |
Algebra
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | DragonBox Algebra 5+ | Easily begin to solve linear equations without even realising you are learning. Try the sequelAlgebra 12+! | 5+ | iPad, Android | Free with in app purchases |
 | Bug Hunter, The Secret of Algebra | Learn algebra by catching bugs and defeating Professor Unknow! | 4+ | iPad | Free |
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | DragonBox Elements | Discover the fundamentals of geometrythrough entertaining exploration and discovery. | 8+ | iPad, Android | Free with in app purchases |
Assistive Technology for Math
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Socratic | Ask Socratic a question or take a picture of your equation and the app will help you solveit. | 12+ | Android | Free |
 | Photomath | Take a picture of your equation and Photomath will help you to understand theconcept and reach an answer. | 4+ | iPad, Android | Free (in app purchases) |
 | ModMath | Write and solve equations with a piece ofvirtual graph paper. Helps with legibility and improves speed. | 4+ | iPad | Free (in app purchases) |
Chrome Extensions
| Icon | Name | Description | Age | Platform | Price |
 | Dom Distiller Reading Mode | Distill and display only the important content to enjoy a more focused reading experience. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | OneNote Web Clipper | Save anything on the web to OneNote. Clip it to OneNote, organize and edit it, then accessit from any device. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | Natural Reader Text To Speech | A smart text to speech reader that allows you to listen to webpages and Google Docs. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | Google Dictionary | View definitions easily as you browse the web. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | Dictionary Lookup | Look up any word in an inline frame with a simple click and without leaving the page. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | Oxford Picture Dictionary | A picture dictionary creates a visual link between a new word and its meaning, byusing images to illustrate vocabulary. | Chrome Extension | Free | |
 | Helperbird:Accessibility & Dyslexia Software | Make the web more accessible with dyslexiafonts & rulers, text-to-speech, overlays, immersive reader + more! | Chrome Extension | Free |
Windows and Apple Inbuilt Assistive Technology How to guides:
