Week 8: Predicting Dyslexia

In the battle of understanding and helping those with dyslexia, several recent advances have been made.  Among these advances are ways to diagnose the disorder at an earlier time of the child’s life, thereby leading to a greater chance of helpful and timely intervention and a path towards success.

Scientists and researchers have discovered an area of the brain that may be helpful in diagnosing a child with dyslexia.  Using MRI technology, scientists have identified the arcuate fasciculus in the left hemisphere of the brain that seems to be an indicator of dyslexia.  It is important piece for language.  In a person without dyslexia the arcuate fasciculus appears to bigger and better organized.  In a person with dyslexia, the arcuate fasciculus appears small and without proper organization.  This is just a step in the direction of diagnosing dyslexia early on however, and further research is needed before this method can be used to identify children with dyslexia.

Another study out of MIT, is measuring the brain’s electrical activity in young students by using electrode caps.  While wearing the caps, the students perform a number of tests in the cognitive, behavioral, and language departments.  The leaders of the study are hopeful that results will help to diagnose dyslexia in students and avoid further frustration.

I think these are great steps in identifying dyslexia.  I have seen students struggle firsthand with this disorder and believe that any research to help diagnose dyslexia earlier in life would be helpful.  It may help to prevent some of the anguish and frustration that comes with reading if a student has targeted help early on in their education.

Zimmerman, R. (2014, June 24). Predicting Dyslexia — Even Before Children Learn to Read. MindShift. Retrieved June 26, 2014, from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/06/predicting-dyslexia-even-before-children-learn-to-read/