Mission and Approach

We develop and implement evidence-based approaches to identifying and supporting individuals with dyslexia in real-world educational settings. Our work focuses on translating advances in neuroscience into practical, individualized interventions that can be used in classrooms across the country.

We have assembled an interdisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and educators to characterize the strengths and challenges associated with developmental dyslexia, drawing on expertise across language, reading, cognition, aging, visuospatial, and social domains. This work allows us to understand the whole person across the lifespan.

Using advanced neuroimaging and genetic approaches in individuals and families, we study the neurobiology of dyslexia and its relationship to cognitive and biological profiles. In close collaboration with educators and school partners, we apply these insights to early identification, targeted intervention, and effective strategies that help individuals with dyslexia thrive.

Why UCSF? 

UCSF is at the forefront of research on neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions and is actively advancing the study of dyslexia. Under the leadership of Bruce Miller and Marilu Gorno Tempini, this work reflects a comprehensive, lifespan approach to understanding, diagnosing, and supporting individuals with dyslexia. Ongoing advances in brain imaging, genetics, and computational methods are enabling deeper insight into the condition and its variability across individuals. UCSF brings together expertise not only in dyslexia, but also in visuospatial processing, motivation, resilience, socio-emotional development, and executive functioning—key dimensions for understanding individuals holistically and supporting long-term success. UCSF’s leadership in aging research further strengthens this work, particularly as more adults come to understand their own learning histories through the diagnoses of their children and grandchildren. UCSF’s proximity to and active partnerships with schools and educational organizations serving individuals with language-based learning differences ensure that this work remains closely connected to the communities it is intended to support.

This work is supported by UCSF’s world-class neuroscience infrastructure and close collaboration across the Departments of Neurology and  Psychiatry. At the Sandler Neurosciences Center, researchers and clinicians work in an integrated environment designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into clinical and educational practice. This setting supports ongoing efforts to identify individuals at risk for dyslexia earlier, provide more targeted and effective support across development, and contribute to advances in both clinical care and education.