Explanations of reading disorders need to be framed in terms of theories of the normal development of reading and spelling. This collection of papers, based on a selection of those to be presented to the Third International Conference of the British Dyslexia Association, in April 1994, brings together studies of dyslexia and normal reading development. Key topics include the role of underlying language skills for the development of reading and reading disorders, individual differences amongst dyslexic readers, the biological bases of dyslexia, and techniques for improving reading skills in dyslexic and other poor readers.

Charles Hulme is Professor of Psychology at the University of York. He has conducted research on a wide range of developmental disorders. His current research focuses particularly on interventions to ameliorate children's reading and language difficulties.

Margaret J. Snowling is Professor of Psychology at the University of York and a qualified clinical psychologist. She is widely recognized as an expert in the field of children's reading and language difficulties.