AI-powered dyslexia screening could transform early literacy support

A new AI-based screening tool, Alpaca, is being piloted in Irish schools to detect early signs of dyslexia in children as young as four—without adding to teachers’ workloads. Developed by Early Intervention Tools, the system addresses a key flaw in current diagnostics, which can take up to five years and often come too late for effective intervention.

By automating and streamlining the screening process, Alpaca offers a scalable way to support early literacy and reduce long-term educational disparities—especially as schools seek smarter ways to meet growing student needs with limited resources.

Explore how technology is reshaping early learning interventions in the full story.