Reading reflects the complex integration of several cognitive processes and proves more difficult to achieve for a significant proportion of the population. Developmental dyslexia (DD), or specific reading disability, is influenced by genes, a fact that has led several research groups to attempt to identify susceptibility genes through the sequential analysis of genetic linkage and association. Strong evidence has now emerged for the presence of genes influencing DD at several chromosomal loci and for at least one of these, there is evidence implicating specific genes. In this review, we present the evidence for a genetic contribution to DD and its component processes and review the current status of molecular genetic research aimed at identifying susceptibility genes for this common, complex disorder.