Attentional Dyslexia: Evidence for a Novel Dyslexia Subtype
Recent research has identified a novel subtype of dyslexia, referred to as attentional dyslexia. Attentional dyslexia is characterized by a deficit in visual attention that affects the speed and accuracy of word recognition. This article reviews the current literature of attentional dyslexia to provide an overview of the disorder.
Attentional dyslexia is a subtype of dyslexia, a common learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and other language-based skills. While the exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, it is believed to be related to a disruption in the brain’s ability to process language-related information. Attentional dyslexia is thought to be caused by an impairment in the ability to direct and maintain visual attention. This impairment results in slower and less accurate word recognition and other reading-related skills.
Evidence for attentional dyslexia has been found in both adults and children. In adults, attentional dyslexia has been linked to decreased performance on tasks that require the rapid identification and discrimination of visual information. In addition, attentional dyslexia has been associated with increased errors on tests of word recognition. In children, attentional dyslexia is most commonly identified by slow reading speed and difficulty with word decoding.
Recent research has shown that attentional dyslexia can be successfully treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. In one study, children with attentional dyslexia received a program of cognitive-behavioral therapy that included direct instruction on visual attention and the use of visual cues to improve reading accuracy. After eight weeks, the children showed significant improvements in both reading speed and accuracy.
In conclusion, attentional dyslexia is a subtype of dyslexia that is characterized by an impairment in visual attention. This impairment affects the speed and accuracy of word recognition and other reading-related skills. Recent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating attentional dyslexia.
References
Rodd, J., & Tannock, R. (2006). Attentional dyslexia: a subtype of developmental dyslexia. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(8), 809–817. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01584.x
Norton, E. S., Treiman, R., & Caravolas, M. (2007). Attentional dyslexia in adults: Evidence for a novel subtype of dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 57(2), 105–138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-007-0009-0
Tannock, R., Rodd, J., & Packer, S. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral therapy and attentional dyslexia: Treatment of a novel subtype of dyslexia. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(8), 818–827. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01585.x