Dyslexia - Differences in the Brain

Hi group users,

Whereas the generic term "Learning Disability" may be misunderstood by the general public, Dyslexia is a term that is more familiar.  Still, they are both perceived incorrectly.  Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disorder in the United States.  It can result in problems with reading, writing, and spelling.

According to HealthDay News, scientists and researchers have discovered that people with dyslexia have disrupted network connections in their brains.  Research done previously on only a small number of brain regions showed that brain activity is disrupted in people with dyslexia.

Functional MRIs were used to determine functional connectivity and analyze how multiple brain regions use networks to communicate with each other.  The researchers scanned and compared the brains of children and adults with and without dyslexia, and found that the two groups had many differences in the connections between their different brain regions.  Those with dyslexia had less connectivity between a number of brain regions involved in reading.  These brain networks support the complicated process of reading.   Compared to typical readers, persons with dyslexia had weaker connections between areas that process visual information and areas that control attention.  In summary, this suggests that individuals with dyslexia are less able to focus on printed words.

To read the complete press release on this scientific breakthrough, go to http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/pb/assets/raw/Health%20Advance/journals/bps/BPS_140828_Dyslexic_Readers_Have_Disrupted_Network_Connections_in_the_Brain.pdf

Have any of you had students with diagnosed Dyslexia in your classes?   If you have success stories with your students, please share them with us.

Rochelle Kenyon, SME

 

Comments

Rochelle,

The Learning to Achieve (L2A) online course- Learning disabilities and neuroscience- connects nicely with this topic around the brain research.  It is a short 1-hour module and is very interactive.  The L2A courses are found in the LINCS Learning Portal.

Aaron

 

Hi Aaron,

Thanks for this recommendation.  Of all the online courses I completed for Learning to Achieve, the one on Neuroscience was the most informative one for me.  It was outstanding!  For both experienced and new practitioners to this field, I can highly recommend this online training.

Rochelle Kenyon, SME