Individuals with dyslexia often exhibit subtle weaknesses when processing visual stimuli. Thus, there has long been a scientific debate about the role of visual symptoms in developmental dyslexia, specifically about whether these deficits represent the primary cause of dyslexia.
A new study from Georgetown University Medical Center is seeking to finally put the debate to rest. The study has found that differences in the visual system do not cause dyslexia, but are more likely a consequence of it.
The researchers confirmed that differences exist in the visual systems of children with dyslexia, but that these differences are the end-product of less reading rather than the cause of their struggles with reading. The implication of this is that early identification and intervention should focus more on reading rather than training the visual system. In other words, training the visual system will not help those with dyslexia read better, but rather strong reading intervention will help improve the visual system.
To read more about this study, visit the Georgetown website.