Sally Shaywitz

Sally Shaywitz at Senate Health Committee

Sally Shaywitz is an American physician and neuroscientist known for her pioneering research in the field of dyslexia. She is a professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

Early Life and Education

Sally Shaywitz was born in New York City. She earned her B.A. degree from City College of New York and her M.D. degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Career

Shaywitz began her career as a pediatrician but soon shifted her focus to research in neuroscience, particularly in the area of learning disabilities. She joined the faculty at Yale University where she has conducted extensive research on the neurobiological basis of dyslexia.

Research and Contributions

Sally Shaywitz is best known for her work on the neurobiology of dyslexia. Her research has demonstrated that dyslexia is a result of a difference in the way the brain processes written and spoken language. She has used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the brains of individuals with dyslexia, identifying specific areas of the brain that are involved in reading.

Shaywitz has also developed the Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen, a tool used to identify children at risk for dyslexia. Her work has had a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of dyslexia, influencing educational practices and policies.

Publications

Sally Shaywitz is the author of several influential books and numerous scientific articles. Her book, Overcoming Dyslexia, is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field and provides practical advice for parents and educators on how to help children with dyslexia.

Awards and Honors

Shaywitz has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of dyslexia research, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Award and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Excellence in Public Service Award.

Personal Life

Sally Shaywitz is married to Bennett Shaywitz, who is also a prominent researcher in the field of dyslexia. They have collaborated on many research projects and co-direct the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

See Also

• Dyslexia
• Neuroscience
• Yale University School of Medicine
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging