The Neuropsychology of Reading Disorders: An Introduction to the FAR

Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed.

January 11th 2019
9:00 am -12:15 pm

MPA Office, Columbia, MD or Online via Zoom

Registration for Zoom Attendees only. 

Workshop Level: Advanced

Dr. Feifer is the author of the Feifer Assessment of Reading published by PAR. 

The primary aim of this workshop will be to examine reading from a brain-based educational perspective, and to discuss current literacy trends in the United States.   The focus of the presentation will be to differentiate “dyslexia” from other reading disorders, as well as to classify developmental reading disorders into four distinct subtypes.  There will be a discussion matching each reading disorders’ subtype with scores of evidence-based interventions.   The use of a neuropsychological paradigm to discuss multiple facets of the reading process including phonological processing, working memory, executive functioning, and orthographical processing will be featured.  

Lastly, this workshop will introduce the Feifer Assessment of Reading (FAR), a diagnostic achievement test of reading designed to examine the underlying cognitive and linguistic processes that support proficient reading skills.  The FAR measures various aspects of phonological development, orthographical processing, decoding skills, morphological awareness, reading fluency, and comprehension skills. The instrument is unique in that it helps educators determine not only the presence of a reading disorder, but also determines the specific subtype as well.   The psychometric strengths and limitations of the FAR will be discussed, as well as other pertinent assessment instruments to best identify learning disorders in children. Specific case studies will be shared with a particular emphasis on meeting the needs of students who do not respond to standard protocol interventions.   

After attending this workshop, attendees will be able to

  • List the four universal truths of reading and explain why relying solely upon IQ scores can be misleading when identifying reading disorders in children;
  • Identify four subtypes of reading disabilities in children and how to link interventions for each subtype;
  • Administer and interpret the Feifer Assessment of Reading within a processing strengths and weaknesses model in the identification of a specific learning disability.
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Steven G. Feifer, D. Ed., ABSNP  is an internationally renowned speaker and author in the field of learning disabilities, and has authored seven books on learning and emotional disorders.  He has 20 years of experience as a school psychologist and was voted the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year in 2008, and awarded the 2009 National School Psychologist of the Year.  He is a diplomate in school neuropsychology, and works in private practice at the Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center in Frederick, MD.  He has authored two tests on diagnosing learning disabilities in children; the FAR and FAM, both published by PAR.