#the read study

This month, a colleague and I attended the montly meeting of the Cambridge Parent Advisory Council (C-PAC).  It was a great excuse to head to Bean Town, grab some good eats (ever heard of shabu shabu?), shop a little, and get some free PD!  

We had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Nadine Gaab from the Children's Hospital of Boston discuss The READ study – Researching Early Attributes of Dyslexia.  This new protocol is attempting to make earlier identification of dyslexia possible. Participants are currently being interviewed if you live in the greater Boston area and are interested in this study.

  According to Dr. Gaab’s data, dyslexia affects 5-17% of children.  As a result of the fact that diagnosis is not typically made until third grade, many children who have the disorder are labeled as being unmotivated, unintelligent, or behavioral.  These labels, combined with repeated academic failure can engender negative self-image, depression, and anti-social behavior.  In addition, untreated dyslexia often prevents children from earning a high school diploma or higher education.  A genetic link appears to be significant, as a child with a direct parent having dyslexia also has a 50% chance of having the disorder. 

  Dr Gaab's study shows that intervention is effective at changing the makeup of the brain, even into adulthood.  Currently, children are not being diagnosed until after reading abilities typically develop. With a history of genetic predisposition, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation can be conducted with those at the highest risk.  The process, which includes the use of MRI, would allow identification and intervention to take place as early as kindergarten.  This may help to prevent some of the associated symptoms a child can experience as a result of repeated failure and allow them to access the academic curriculum in the least restrictive setting.