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Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a neurobiological based learning disability where individuals have difficulties with word decoding, word recognition and spelling. This may negatively impact other reading areas including reading comprehension and vocabulary growth. The difficulties encountered are present despite adequate intelligence, conventional education and motivation. Dyslexia is more common in males than females. It is estimated to affect between 5.3% and 11.8% of school aged children.
Krafnick AJ, Flowers DL, Napoliello EM, Eden G. Gray matter volume changes following reading intervention in dyslexic children. Neuroimage (2010),doi:10.1016/j. neuroimage.201 0.1 0.062.
Over the past decade, there has been increased effort among neuroscientists to quantify and characterize changes in brain structure following controlled learning experiences. These efforts, including those focusing on the relationship between changes in brain structure and academic achievement have important implications for better understanding of learning and skill acquisition in the classroom. Through such studies, the neural basis for successful reading intervention can be better appreciated. This can hopefully lead to the development of programs to best help children with reading difficulties. This study examined changes in gray matter volume (GMV), an anatomical change, following intensive reading intervention in children with dyslexia.
Eleven children with dyslexia were recruited from a private school specializing in students with dyslexia. School records were used to identify students with Woodcock-Johnson III Letter-Word identification scores of less than 92. IQ scores obtained prior to the study using the Weschsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) had to be greater than 80. All subjects were reported to be free of developmental disabilities, congenital or acquired neurological disorders or any injury or disease affecting brain function. A diagnosed language, hearing or psychiatric disorder, diagnosis of any major medical condition, any metallic implants, severe claustrophobia or any other contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning were also exclusionary factors. The following behavioral tests were performed both pre and post intervention: Woodcock- Johnson Word Identification...