Researchers now may be able to detect dyslexia in a child before they show the signs of dyslexia.

Study Shows Brain MRI Detects Dyslexia Early

A study done by the Children’s Hospital Boston reports significant differences in brain activity at a young age are a sign of children with dyslexia.

Led by Nora Raschle, PhD, researchers at the Children’s Hospital Boston used MRI scans to detect the difference in brain activity between children with a family history of dyslexia and those without.

They found that the dyslexia-prone children had "very pronounced dysfunction" in the areas of the brain that are associated with reading and reading-related tasks.

"We already know that older children and adults with dyslexia have dysfunction in the same brain regions," said researcher Nadine Gaab, PhD. "What this study tells us is that the brain’s ability to process language sounds is deficient even before children have reading instruction."

Though the study does not prove the brain activity is a cause of dyslexia, the research hopes to emphasize the importance of taking action at an early age.

"We hope that identifying children at risk for dyslexia around preschool or even earlier may help reduce the negative social and psychological consequences these kids often face," said Raschle.

To read more about this study, visit the Children’s Hospital Boston website or PR Newswire. You can also download their flyer below for more information on participating in their studies.

AttachmentSize
Study: Looking at Infants and Children with Family History of Dyslexia768.79 KB