Dr. Livia R. Pailer-Duller
Educational Researcher | Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Specialist
About Me
Some people find their calling. For me, it was never a question — it was in my blood.
I am a second-generation dyslexia specialist, the daughter of Dr. Astrid Kopp-Duller, who in the 1990s created the AFS Method and the standardized AFS Test — tools that would go on to transform how the world understands and supports people with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Today, more than 17,000 certified dyslexia trainers in 64 countries use these instruments every day to change lives.
Growing up surrounded by this work — watching my mother fight for recognition, for understanding, for every child who learned differently — shaped who I am. It gave me a deep, personal conviction that every learner deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. Not labeled. Not left behind. Supported.
For more than twenty years, I have carried that mission forward — as a researcher, an author, a trainer, and a leader. I have dedicated my life to bridging the gap between science and practice, ensuring that what we know about dyslexia and dyscalculia actually reaches the people who need it most: the families, the educators, and above all, the learners themselves.
Education & Credentials
- Doctor of Education — Northcentral University, San Diego, USA (2015–2019)
- Master of Social Sciences — University of Klagenfurt, Austria (2003–2008)
- Certified Dyslexia Trainer (2003)
- Certified Dyscalculia Trainer (2009)
- Certified Learn Didact (2019)
- Certified Media Didact (2024)
Professional Journey
My path began at the Carinthian Dyslexia Association in Austria, where I learned the field from the ground up — working directly with trainers, families, and children. It was there that I saw firsthand the difference that the right support can make.
From there, I moved on to lead the Austrian Dyslexia Association (EÖDL) as Executive Director, growing it into an internationally recognized organization that certifies specialists, develops evidence-based tools, and publishes educational resources used around the world.
A few years ago, I landed in the United States at the Dyslexia Research Center USA, bringing the knowledge and methods developed over decades in Europe to a new audience — and continuing the work of making dyslexia and dyscalculia support accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Research & Publications
I am the author or co-author of more than 12 books on dyslexia, dyscalculia, and sensory perception training. My research focuses on the intersection of sensory perception and learning differences, with a particular emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives.
Selected publications include:
- “Multicultural Differences in Sensory Perceptions of Dyslexic Students: An Analysis of 33,000 AFS-Test Records in Six Languages” — ProQuest (2019). The largest cross-cultural dataset of dyslexia screening results ever compiled, revealing significant variations in sensory perception patterns across linguistic and cultural contexts.
- “Legasthenie und Sinneswahrnehmungen” (Dyslexia and Sensory Perceptions, German Edition) — EÖDL-Verlag, 2nd Edition (2023)
- “Dyslexia and Sensory Perceptions” — DRC USA, 3rd Edition (2026)
- Multiple co-authored books on practical dyslexia and dyscalculia training methods, used by certified specialists worldwide.
Board & Advisory Roles
- Board Member — Austrian Dyslexia Association (EÖDL)
- Board Member — German Dyslexia Association (DVLD)
- Advisory Board — American Dyslexia Association (ADA)
- Advisory Board — International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations (IFDDA)
When I am not immersed in the world of dyslexia, you will find me passionately homeschooling my daughter — because I believe great education starts at home — or at the ballet barre, proving that it is never too late to chase grace.
Get in Touch
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