What proposed change was suggested for the term "reading disability" in the DSM-5?

The proposal to change the term "reading disability" to "dyslexia" in the DSM-5 reflects a shift towards using a more specific and widely recognized term within the field of psychology and education. Dyslexia is understood as a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading abilities, including difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. This change was aimed at providing clearer, more precise language to describe the nature of the difficulties experienced by individuals, enhancing the understanding of their specific challenges and needs.

By adopting "dyslexia," the DSM-5 aligns itself with common usage in both educational contexts and clinical practice, which can facilitate better identification, interventions, and resources for those affected by this condition. This term also helps in reducing stigma, as "dyslexia" is a term that many educators and parents are already familiar with, thereby fostering better communication among all stakeholders involved in supporting individuals with reading difficulties.