LD news - Early brain scans help identify dyslexia

There seems to be quite a bit of scientific research being published lately on dyslexia.  Here is information on another article recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.  Links to more information can be found at the end of the post.

Rhonda & the Bridgeway Team

Scientists are using brain scans to identify dyslexia in children as young as four or five years old – well before most children are typically diagnosed.

In the study, scientists scanned the brains of preschool children while they did a number of tasks, such as trying to decide if two words started with the same sound.  Some of the children had a family history of dyslexia, while others didn’t.  The scientists found that those with a family history had less brain activity in certain regions of the brain. 

This is significant because older children and adults with dyslexia have dysfunction in the same areas of the brain.  Researchers hope their findings will eventually be used to look for signs of dyslexia earlier, when interventions can be put in place before children learn to read.  

Let’s hope this breakthrough leads us to a time when dyslexia or other reading disabilities can be diagnosed and supports put in place before a child begins to struggle.  Imagine saving our kids from the damage to self-esteem that comes from years of feeling different or less intelligent than their peers!

You’ll find an easy to read story with more information on the Reuters website, while the journal abstract is on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences website.